A new scholarship program being developed by the Churchill Faith Education Fund (CFEF) could help local families pay for private Christian education through a new federal tax credit program, although the nonprofit must first meet federal requirements before awarding scholarships.
During a recent informational meeting at Oasis Community Church, CFEF President Caleb Szymanski explained that the nonprofit was created to help families afford private Christian education by participating in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program.
Under the program, eligible taxpayers may donate up to $1,700 to CFEF and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit equal to the amount they donate.
"How this works is you or any taxpayer can donate up to $1,700 to us, the Churchill Faith Education Fund," Szymanski said. "And then when you file your taxes the following year, your tax liability can be reduced dollar-for-dollar up to $1,700 according to the donation that you gave to the organization."
Although CFEF has received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, it must still qualify as a Scholarship Granting Organization before it can award scholarships through the program. To qualify, CFEF must keep administrative costs below 10%, award scholarships to at least 10 students attending multiple schools, and continue operating in a state that participates in the program.
Scholarship eligibility is based on household income. Szymanski said a family's annual income may not exceed 300% of the area's median income. For 2026, he said, that means a family of four may earn up to $268,500 and still qualify.
Two schools currently qualify for CFEF funding: Logos Christian Academy and Veritas Preparatory School. Agape Christian School is awaiting guidance on whether homeschooled students participating in its tutoring-based program will qualify under the federal tax credit program.
Students must first be accepted to a participating school before applying for a scholarship through that school. Schools then submit scholarship applications and students' acceptance letters to CFEF. Students who are direct relatives of CFEF board members or children of major donors, as defined by Internal Revenue Service rules, are not eligible.
CFEF also explained that donations may be designated for a specific school, but not for an individual student. The credit is available only to individual taxpayers, not businesses, and donations must be made in cash, such as by check or credit card. Because the credit is nonrefundable, donors must owe federal income tax to receive the full benefit, although unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years. Donations also may not be used to claim both a federal and state school-choice tax credit.
The organization is working toward a $10,000 fundraising goal and has already raised $5,100. Those funds will allow CFEF to award the scholarships required to qualify as a Scholarship Granting Organization before the federal program begins. Donations made this year are tax-deductible, but the federal tax credit will not take effect until 2027.
Szymanski encouraged community members to help spread the word about the new organization and scholarship program.
"We need boots on the ground. We need people. We need word of mouth talking about this left and right and getting as many people involved as possible, not just this year, but off into the future as well," he said.
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