I want to do something, and I want someone else to pay for it. How do I make that happen?

So, my kids are building a high-altitude balloon for their collective science fair project. They are home-schooling so this is not part of a typical school or class.
I've heard of schools doing this and having grants or similar pay for all or most of it.
How do you suppose I could make that happen without sounding like I'm saying 'My kids are doing this thing, and I'd like to not spend hundreds of MY own money doing it'?

I could start a go fund me page, but other than asking family to donate, how do you get the word out? Maybe if I call it a vertical race GRM will sponsor it!!

Tax your community and say it's for a greater good?

Some public school districts will give you access to facilities and perhaps even funding for curriculum-related projects if you sign up with the school district and then just keep on homeschooling. The district gets $ for every registered head, and you will cost them less than a student who actually attends their schools. In some cases you don't even have to live in their school district.

Contact local businesses, the bigger the better. Most have funds available for community outreach and education programs.

Can you sponser my baloon?

I'd go to businesses and see if they're interested in taking part. Not necessarily in spending money, but can they donate parts or facilities you need? You'll have better luck with mom and pop shops. Get an article in the paper, get the word out about this cool project.

Get a website/blog out there that documents the progress. Get people watching, and put a "help us out" button on it so they can donate a couple of bucks. The important thing is to get people involved with the effort. Your kids might learn more about building and engaging a community than they do about balloons.

Keith Tanner wrote: Can you sponser my baloon? I'd go to businesses and see if they're interested in taking part. Not necessarily in spending money, but can they donate parts or facilities you need? You'll have better luck with mom and pop shops. Get an article in the paper, get the word out about this cool project. Get a website/blog out there that documents the progress. Get people watching, and put a "help us out" button on it so they can donate a couple of bucks. The important thing is to get people involved with the effort. Your kids might learn more about building and engaging a community than they do about balloons.

Great ideas Keith, thanks. Sounds kinda like looking for race sponsorship huh?

Sounds exactly like looking for race sponsorship, but you have the added advantage that it's for children and education!

"Hot air balloon sponsored by the barn, Beale street, and Bangkok peppers strikes low flying airplane, story at 11!"

joey48442 wrote: "Hot air balloon sponsored by the barn, Beale street, and Bangkok peppers strikes low flying airplane, story at 11!"

Oohhhh. That'd be some good eatin'.

This would be a way not to do it:

How big is the balloon? Big enough to fit a sponsor name on it?

I wonder if there is a local college/university that could help. If nothing else to provide some direction.

Go Fund ME?

https://www.gofundme.com