Just-in-Time Funding Guidelines

Treehouse can pay for Student ID (ASB) card fees, as well as school yearbooks. Before submitting a funding request, please confirm with the school or Foster Care Liaison whether fees can be waived. Fees can sometimes be waived if students are eligible for free & reduced lunch.

Treehouse can pay up to $200 in school fines and fees, including but not limited to textbooks, school supplies not available through the Treehouse Store, gym uniforms, spirit wear, class fees, technology fees, library fines, and school parking passes.

Please confirm with the school counselor or Foster Care Liaison whether fees can be waived. Fees can sometimes be waived if students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Treehouse can cover up to $100 for Advanced Placement, language credit testing, PSATs, SATs, and ACT fees, as well as other academic testing.

Treehouse can pay up to $50 for K-11 school pictures and up to $200 for senior photos for students graduating from high school.

If the graduating senior is under the age of 18, the photographer must pass a background check before Treehouse can provide payment. Background checks are completed online through Sterling Volunteers and the fee is covered by Treehouse.

Treehouse can pay up to $200 toward senior prom only. The student must be a senior in high school.

Treehouse can also pay $100 toward attire for another special occasion or school dance, regardless of the student’s grade.

This funding can be used for formal wear (dress or tux), shoes, accessories, nails, and professional makeup. Formal hair styling is considered hair care. Please provide direct links to specific items with size and color preferences.

In addition to attire, Treehouse can pay for two school dance admission tickets per school year.

Treehouse can pay up to $400 toward credit recovery or GED testing. Please first explore all other credit recovery resources and scholarships the school provides before requesting.

Treehouse can pay up to $750 for short-term, subject-specific tutoring. This also includes tutoring for credit recovery, GED testing, and post-secondary.

Independent, private tutors must pass a background check before Just-in-Time Funding can process payment. If payment is by check, a W-9 form is required. Email justintimefunding@treehouseforkids.org for details. 

Treehouse can pay up to $225 for graduation packages, including a cap and gown. Please provide all necessary information, including login credentials, name of the high school, and sizing specifics (height, weight, and gender). Treehouse does not pay for senior class rings or jewelry.

Treehouse can pay up to $100 toward school-sponsored senior events, like grad/senior night. This does not include individual graduation parties.

In addition, Treehouse can pay for up to four tickets for graduation.

Treehouse can pay up to $200 in fees for students enrolling in post-secondary courses. This may include application fees, placement test fees, lab fees, parking passes, or student ID card fees.

Treehouse does not pay for college tuition or college classes that accept FAFSA.

In addition to the educational items listed above, Treehouse can provide up to $200 in educational materials that may or may not be required in the classroom, including books, online learning tools, sensory items, and assistive technology.

Treehouse does not pay for laptops, tablets, or computers.

Basic school supplies, such as backpacks, binders, pencils, pens, and paper can be ordered through the Treehouse Store. Please submit a request form or contact the Treehouse Store at store@treehouseforkids.org or 206.267.5185.

Treehouse can pay up to $400 for career or work-related items, including but not limited to tools, equipment, work shoes, uniforms, permits, certifications, licensing, or application fees. Please provide direct links to specific items with size and color preferences.

Treehouse does not pay for laptops, tablets, or computers.

Treehouse can pay up to $500 toward the cost of hair care services and supplies per program year. Eligible services include haircuts, shampoo and conditioning treatments, braids, twists, dreadlocks, straightening, extensions, and formal hair styling for school dances and other special occasions. This also includes the supplies required for the hair service, such as hair extensions, wigs, clippers, and trimmers.

Please provide direct links to specific items in the request details. Gift cards are no longer available. Treehouse no longer covers the cost of home haircare products, including shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hair tools, or hair dye.

Independent, private hair stylists must pass a background check before Just-in-Time Funding can process payment. If payment is made by check, a W-9 Form is required. Email justintimefunding@treehouseforkids.org for details.

Treehouse can pay up to $300 for identity-affirming items, which include gender-affirming clothing, ceremonial attire, and regalia for a cultural event. Please provide direct links to specific items along with size and color preferences.

Please inquire about gender-affirming clothing at the Treehouse Store by emailing store@treehouseforkids.org or calling 206.267.5185.

Treehouse can pay an individual or business to make ceremonial attire. If payment is by check, a W-9 form is required. Email justintimefunding@treehouseforkids.org for more information.

Treehouse does not pay admission fees to cultural events.

Treehouse can pay for monthly bus passes up to an annual maximum of $400. Youth under 18 can ride public transportation for free in Washington State.

Treehouse Just-in-Time Funding does not pay for gas, bikes, rideshares, taxis, or plane tickets.

Treehouse can pay for youth identification, passports, enhanced ID cards, and an official copy of their birth certificate.

Treehouse Driver’s Assistance program can provide funding for permit and license fees, driver’s education, auto insurance, car repairs, towing fees, and more. For more information on this program, visit our Drivers Assistance page.

Please submit a Driver’s Assistance request first to see if the youth is eligible. If the youth is not eligible for Driver’s Assistance, the request will be transferred to Just-in-Time Funding.

If the participant does not qualify for Driver’s Assistance but does have an open enrollment with Just-in-Time Funding, limited funding may be available. For questions, please contact the Driver’s Assistance team at licensing@treehouseforkids.org

Treehouse can provide funding for a funeral, celebration of life, or other expenses related to the passing of a young person in foster care.  For additional information, please contact Just-in-Time Funding at justintimefunding@treehouseforkids.org or call 206.767.7000.