Blog

RedefinED School Advancement is proud to announce the selection of ACSI’s Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF) as one of our preferred Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), creating new opportunities for Christian schools across the country to expand access to financial aid and scholarship funding. As schools prepare for the future of state and federal scholarship tax credit programs, strong partnerships matter. After spending countless months evaluating organizations nationwide, we identified Children’s Tuition Fund as a mission-aligned partner with the experience, values, and infrastructure necessary to support Christian education on a national scale. Strengthening Christian Schools Nationwide This partnership is designed to directly benefit Christian schools by providing them with greater access to scholarship resources, trusted guidance, and a proven framework for long-term sustainability. Through RedefinED’s FUNDamentals™ solution and Children’s Tuition Fund’s expertise as an SGO, schools will have a comprehensive approach to growing scholarship dollars while increasing affordability for families. The impact includes: Helping more families access Christian education through tax credit scholarships Increasing financial aid resources available to schools Creating sustainable, grassroots donor engagement strategies Reducing administrative burdens on school leaders and staff Positioning Christian schools to take advantage of future federal scholarship opportunities For many schools, this means having an experienced advancement team and a trusted scholarship partner working together on their behalf, without the cost of building an in-house department. A Partnership Built on Shared Values For years, RedefinED has worked alongside ACSI member schools in Pennsylvania, helping Christian schools leverage tax credit programs to better serve their communities. Throughout that work, we have seen firsthand the commitment and passion that define the Children’s Tuition Fund team. The people behind CTF are deeply mission-driven, and their impact speaks for itself. They understand that scholarship programs are about far more than dollars—they are about ensuring families have access to educational environments that align with their values and help students thrive. That shared commitment made them a natural choice as a preferred national partner. Preparing for the Future of Educational Choice With the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program on the horizon, Christian schools need partners that are ready to help them navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. Together, RedefinED and Children’s Tuition Fund will provide schools with: Scholarship administration expertise Proven donor engagement strategies School-level advancement support Family education and outreach National resources backed by organizations with demonstrated success To date, RedefinED has helped schools secure more than $100 million in tax credit scholarship funding, impacting over 20,000 students and families. By partnering with Children’s Tuition Fund, we believe we can extend that impact to even more Christian schools nationwide. Building Stronger Schools, Together The future of Christian education depends on collaboration, innovation, and a relentless commitment to serving students and families. This partnership represents more than a designation as a preferred SGO—it represents a shared vision for making Christian education more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come. We are honored to partner with ACSI’s Children’s Tuition Fund and look forward to helping Christian schools across the country thrive through expanded scholarship opportunities and stronger school advancement strategies.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership that marks a significant milestone for our organization and the communities we serve. Federal SSO has been named a preferred SGO, and we’re proud to collaborate with a team that shares our dedication to expanding access and opportunity. This partnership goes beyond a formal designation—it reflects a shared vision, aligned priorities, and a commitment to using innovative solutions to create meaningful impact. By working together, we are combining our strengths to better address the needs of students, families, and communities who benefit from expanded educational opportunities. As a preferred SGO, Federal SSO brings extensive expertise, a proven track record, and a forward-looking approach that will strengthen our ability to serve stakeholders and grow our initiatives. Their experience in managing scholarship programs and navigating regulatory requirements ensures that resources are distributed efficiently and responsibly. Together, we aim to build pathways that empower individuals and organizations, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable outcomes. This includes enhancing access to scholarships, simplifying participation for contributors, and ensuring that funds are directed where they can have the greatest impact. We’re excited about what lies ahead and confident that this collaboration will lead to new opportunities, stronger results, and lasting impact. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this new chapter together. An SGO, or Scholarship Granting Organization, plays a critical role in connecting contributors with programs that expand educational access by administering scholarship funds and ensuring they are distributed effectively and in compliance with state guidelines. SGOs serve as a bridge between contributors and recipients, helping to translate financial support into real educational opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access. A key component of a successful SGO is the ease of the donor experience—making it simple, transparent, and efficient for individuals and organizations to contribute and see the impact of their support. This includes clear communication, streamlined processes, and reliable reporting so donors can understand how their contributions are making a difference. We have worked closely with Federal SSO’s team through the Georgia state tax credit program and continue to do so, gaining firsthand insight into their commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing donor engagement. Their focus on accessibility and operational excellence ensures that more resources reach the communities that need them most, reinforcing the strength and promise of this partnership.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Successfully Implementing the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program at Your School The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, sometimes referred to as EFTC, has the potential to completely reshape how schools approach affordability, advancement, and long-term sustainability. But schools need to understand something early: This program will not maximize itself automatically. The schools that see the strongest results will likely not be the schools that simply “sign up” for the program. They will be the schools that strategically prepare for it, educate their communities, build strong partnerships, and fully commit to implementation. As schools across the country begin preparing for the rollout of the new federal program, here are some of the biggest do’s and don’ts we believe schools should understand now. DO: Start Preparing Before Your State Officially Opts In One of the biggest mistakes schools can make is waiting until implementation is finalized before beginning preparation. The schools that will likely see the strongest long-term results are the schools already: Educating leadership teams Building donor strategies Strengthening advancement infrastructure Creating communication plans Developing SGO relationships Preparing operational systems If your school waits until the program officially launches to begin planning, you may already be behind. Preparation matters. DON’T: Assume This Program Will Run Itself Many schools mistakenly believe scholarship programs are simply: “Families apply, donors give, and everything works out.” That is not how sustainable scholarship growth happens. The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program will likely require: Parent education Donor education Community outreach Advancement execution Strategic communication Ongoing relationship management Schools that treat this as a passive funding opportunity may struggle to maximize its potential. DO: Educate Families Early and Often Right now, most families have no idea what the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program actually is. Many people still confuse: Scholarship tax credits Vouchers Government appropriations Financial aid ESA programs If schools do not proactively educate families, confusion will fill the gap. The schools that will thrive under this program are the schools willing to: Hold informational meetings Create simple explanations Provide repeated communication Walk families through the process Make the program feel approachable Education builds trust. Confusion creates hesitation. DON’T: Treat SGOs as Vendors This is one of the most important lessons schools need to understand early. Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) are not just transaction processors. They are essential partners. The schools that will likely experience the strongest growth are the schools building collaborative relationships with SGOs before implementation even begins. Schools should be asking: Which SGO is the best fit for our mission? How do we collaboratively support donor engagement? How do we create a strong experience for families? How do we align communication and outreach? The future of this program will depend heavily on strong collaboration between: Schools SGOs Advancement teams Families Donors DO: Build a Real Donor Development Strategy This is one of the largest misconceptions surrounding the new federal program. The existence of a tax credit does not automatically create donor participation. Donors still need: Education Relationship-building Trust Communication Follow-up Community connection The schools that simply wait for donors to appear will likely struggle. The schools that intentionally build donor education and outreach strategies will likely have a significant advantage. DON’T: Ignore Your Public School Community One of the most misunderstood parts of the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is that many states may structure implementation in ways that support a variety of educational services and student needs, not just private school tuition. That means public school families may also become important stakeholders in this conversation. Schools and organizations that approach this program with an “us versus them” mindset may miss major opportunities for collaboration and community support. The conversation around educational access is becoming broader. Schools should prepare accordingly. DO: Align Your Tuition and Financial Aid Strategy Schools should already be evaluating: Tuition structure Financial aid philosophy Scholarship allocation strategy Accessibility goals Enrollment growth planning The schools that thrive under the new federal program will likely be the schools that view scholarship funding as part of a larger sustainability and accessibility strategy. Not just supplemental funding. DON’T: Create Confusion Through Mixed Messaging As excitement grows around the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, schools must be careful not to overwhelm families and donors with: Too many acronyms Conflicting explanations Multiple disconnected outreach efforts Unclear processes Poor communication between organizations Clarity matters. The schools that build trust will likely be the schools communicating consistently, simply, and collaboratively. DO: Understand That Implementation Is Ongoing This is not a “one-time setup” opportunity. The schools that will likely experience long-term success are the schools committed to: Continuous family education Ongoing donor outreach Relationship development Community engagement Strategic refinement year after year The schools treating this as a long-term advancement strategy rather than a temporary funding opportunity will likely position themselves best for sustainability. Final Thought The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program may become one of the most transformational educational funding opportunities schools have seen in decades. But successful implementation will require far more than simply opting in. It will require: Leadership Communication Strategy Collaboration Relationship-building And intentional execution At , we believe the schools preparing now, educating now, and building strong collaborative foundations now will be the schools best positioned to create lasting impact for students and families in the years ahead.

For years, has had conversations happening in school offices, diocesan meetings, donor presentations, webinars, conference halls, and community gatherings across the country. But recently, we realized something important: The conversation around education, school choice, scholarship opportunities, and the future of funding education is no longer just happening in board rooms. It is happening online. It is happening in real time. And increasingly… it is happening on TikTok. So yes, we officially joined TikTok. You can now find us at: @redefiningeducation.org Why TikTok? Because people are looking for answers. Families are confused about scholarship programs. Schools are trying to understand the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. Donors want clarity. Communities are hearing terms like: EFTC EITC EDS school choice scholarship tax credits vouchers …and honestly, most people are not getting clear explanations in plain language. We wanted to change that. Expect Real Conversations… And Probably Some Laughing Let’s be honest. Education policy can get really serious, really fast. So while we absolutely plan to provide valuable information, updates, explanations, and insight into scholarship programs and school advancement… TikTok is also going to show a much funnier side of our company. If you follow us, expect: Honest conversations Real-time thoughts and reactions Behind-the-scenes moments Funny office content Team personality Education updates explained like actual humans A little chaos sometimes And probably a few videos making fun of how many times the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program has changed names already Because while this work matters deeply to us, we also believe it is okay to laugh while doing it. Why This Matters So Much Right Now The education landscape is changing quickly. Between state scholarship programs and the upcoming rollout of the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, schools and families are trying to navigate an enormous amount of information all at once. And unfortunately, misinformation spreads fast online. We believe one of the best things we can do is help make these conversations easier to understand and more accessible for everyday families, educators, and community members. Not everyone is going to sit through a long webinar. But they might watch a 45-second TikTok that finally makes something make sense. Come Join Us Whether you are: A parent A school leader An educator A donor A scholarship organization Or simply someone trying to understand what all these acronyms mean… We would love to have you join the conversation. TikTok is going to be our funnier side, so come join us for a laugh, some great information, and a little fun along the way. Follow us at @redefiningeducation.org. And yes… we are still learning how TikTok works.

RedefinED Is Not an SGO. And We Are Not Here to Compete With SGOs. As conversations around state tax credit programs and the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program continue to grow, we have noticed an important question surfacing more frequently: “Is RedefinED trying to become an SGO?” The answer is simple: No. is not an SGO, and we are not trying to replace, compete with, or disrupt SGOs. In fact, we believe SGOs are one of the most essential parts of the scholarship ecosystem. SGOs Play a Critical Role Scholarship Granting Organizations are the operational and compliance backbone of scholarship programs. They handle: Scholarship administration Compliance requirements Tax documentation Scholarship distribution State reporting and regulations That work is incredibly important. And honestly, it is work that schools cannot do alone. Without SGOs, these scholarship programs would not exist. So Where Does RedefinED Fit In? Our role is completely different. We work directly with schools to help them maximize the opportunities SGOs make possible. That includes: Parent education Community outreach School advancement support Tuition strategy Scholarship growth implementation Relationship building within local communities In other words: SGOs administer scholarship programs. We help schools grow participation and engagement within them. Why This Partnership Matters The reality is that most SGOs serve a very large number of schools across wide geographic regions. Because of that, many SGOs simply are not structured to provide intensive, school-specific advancement execution inside every individual school community they support. That is not a criticism. It is just reality. Schools often need hands-on support with: Educating families Engaging local businesses Building donor relationships Coordinating outreach Increasing participation Navigating implementation strategy That is where our team steps in. Not to replace the SGO. Not to compete with the SGO. But to help schools become stronger and more successful participants within the scholarship programs SGOs administer. When Schools Grow, SGOs Grow Too This is the part we think matters most. When schools successfully increase scholarship participation, improve donor engagement, and strengthen community awareness: More students are served More scholarship dollars flow More families gain access And SGOs themselves grow stronger This should not be viewed as competition. It should be viewed as ecosystem expansion. The truth is, the demand for scholarship education and implementation support is growing rapidly, especially with the upcoming rollout of the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, sometimes referred to as EFTC. No single organization can do everything alone. And we do not believe they should have to. We Believe Collaboration Is the Future Our belief has always been simple: Schools, SGOs, advancement organizations, donors, and communities should be working together, not against one another. Each organization plays a different role. Each organization brings different strengths. And when those strengths align properly, students and families benefit the most. At , our goal is not ownership of the process. Our goal is impact. We want SGOs to succeed. We want schools to succeed. We want scholarship programs to grow responsibly and sustainably. And most importantly, we want more students to have access to educational opportunities that change lives. That only happens through collaboration.

Is New York About to Opt Into the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program? Here’s What We Know. Over the last two weeks, there has been growing national buzz surrounding reports that New York Governor Kathy Hochul may support opting New York into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, sometimes referred to as EFTC. ( Chalkbeat) And understandably, people are paying attention. If New York were to officially opt in, it would represent one of the biggest moments yet for the new federal scholarship tax credit program. New York is not only one of the largest states in the country, but also one with enormous educational diversity, strong nonprofit infrastructure, and a large population of families that could potentially benefit from scholarship opportunities. But while the excitement is real, it is important to separate confirmed action from political signaling. What Has Actually Been Said? Recent reports indicate that Governor Hochul privately expressed support for the federal scholarship tax credit program and that members of her administration later publicly acknowledged that support. ( Chalkbeat) According to statements attributed to the Governor’s office, Hochul is “supportive” of the program and its potential benefits for New York students and schools. However, her administration has also stated that they are still reviewing the federal program details and watching for what they described as possible “poison pills” or federal conditions that could negatively impact New York’s education system. ( Chalkbeat) That distinction matters. At this moment, New York has not officially opted into the program. There has been no finalized executive action, formal state participation announcement, or completed implementation process announced publicly by the state. Why This Matters Nationally Even the possibility of New York participating is generating major attention because it signals something much larger happening across the country: The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is becoming increasingly bipartisan. Over the past several months, Democratic and Republican governors alike have begun publicly discussing participation in the program. ( CT Insider) That is significant because the program has often been misunderstood as a traditional school voucher initiative, when in reality, it functions differently. The federal scholarship tax credit program is built around private charitable giving. Eligible taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit for donations made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then distribute scholarship funds for eligible educational expenses. That model has changed the conversation in many states. A Word of Caution At , we believe it is important to approach this moment with both optimism and realism. There is absolutely reason for excitement. The fact that states like New York are even publicly discussing participation shows how quickly the national landscape is evolving. But there is also a growing tendency online for rumors, headlines, and social media posts to move faster than official policy. Right now, the safest and most accurate statement is this: Governor Hochul has signaled support and openness toward the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, but New York has not yet officially opted in. That could still happen. It also could change depending on federal guidance, political negotiations, implementation concerns, or future state-level decisions. What Schools and Organizations Should Be Doing Regardless of what happens next in New York, one thing is becoming increasingly clear across the country: Preparation matters. Schools, scholarship organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders should already be preparing for the possibility of implementation by focusing on: Donor education Community outreach Scholarship infrastructure Parent communication Financial aid strategy Operational readiness SGO partnerships The organizations that prepare early will likely be positioned far better than those waiting until participation becomes official. The Bigger Picture Whether New York officially opts in tomorrow, next month, or later down the road, the national momentum surrounding the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is undeniable. The conversation has shifted from “Will this happen?” to “How should states prepare?” And that is a very different conversation than the one happening even a year ago. We will continue monitoring developments closely and sharing updates as more official guidance and announcements emerge. Return Home

North Carolina Just Took a Major Step Toward the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program North Carolina is now one step closer to participating in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, sometimes referred to as EFTC, after the North Carolina House voted to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 87. ( ncnewsline.com) The vote marks a significant moment in the national school choice conversation and signals that momentum around the new federal scholarship tax credit program continues to grow across the country. What Happened? On May 20, 2026, the North Carolina House voted 73-46 to override Governor Stein’s previous veto of legislation that would allow North Carolina to participate in the new federal scholarship tax credit program. ( wral.com) The bill now heads to the North Carolina Senate, where lawmakers are expected to consider the override next. If finalized, North Carolina would officially opt into the federal program created under the federal legislation signed in 2025. Beginning in 2027, eligible taxpayers could receive a federal tax credit for donations made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). ( carolinajournal.com) Why This Matters This is bigger than politics. This is about whether states are willing to position themselves early for what could become one of the most transformational education funding opportunities in decades. Supporters of the bill argue that the federal program expands educational opportunity for students across multiple educational settings, including: Public school students Charter school students Private school students Homeschool students ( wral.com) The federal program allows private taxpayers to voluntarily redirect a portion of their federal tax liability toward scholarship funding, rather than sending those dollars entirely to the federal government. That distinction matters. This is not a traditional voucher program funded directly through government appropriations. Instead, it is a scholarship tax credit model built around private contributions and donor participation. The Debate Continues Opponents of the legislation raised concerns about the long-term impact on federal revenues and public school funding. Governor Stein previously stated he would be more open to participation if public schools could also benefit from the program. ( newsfromthestates.com) That conversation is happening nationally right now. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is the belief that it only benefits private schools. In reality, the federal legislation was designed broadly enough that states may structure approved scholarship uses for a variety of educational expenses, depending on implementation and federal guidance. That is why state-level planning matters so much. What Schools and Organizations Should Be Doing Right Now Regardless of political position, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: States that prepare early will likely be positioned far better than states that wait. Schools, scholarship organizations, and education leaders should already be thinking about: Donor development strategies Community education campaigns SGO partnerships Parent communication plans Tuition and affordability strategies Operational readiness Compliance and reporting infrastructure The schools and organizations that understand scholarship tax credit advancement today will likely have a significant advantage when the program officially launches. North Carolina Is Not Alone North Carolina joins a growing list of states actively discussing or moving toward participation in the new federal scholarship tax credit program. Recent comments from governors and lawmakers across the country suggest that both Republican and Democratic leaders are beginning to recognize the potential impact this program could have on families and educational access. ( wral.com) The national conversation is shifting quickly. And while federal guidance is still developing, one thing is certain: The states that treat this as “someday” may find themselves years behind the states already building strategy, infrastructure, and community partnerships today. At , we will continue monitoring developments across the country and helping schools and organizations prepare for what comes next. Return Home

This afternoon marked a meaningful milestone in the implementation of the federal tax credit scholarship program. The U.S. Department of the Treasury, through the IRS, issued Revenue Procedure 2026-6, formally allowing governors to make an advance election to opt their states into the federal tax credit scholarship law. This action sets the stage for the program to take effect nationwide beginning January 1, 2027, provided states choose to participate. What This Means for States Under the federal tax credit scholarship law, states must opt in for the program to operate within their borders. Revenue Procedure 2026-6 establishes the mechanism for doing exactly that. Governors, or other authorized state officials or agencies, may now formally notify the IRS of their intent to participate. By opting in, a state authorizes the federal scholarship tax credit to generate scholarship funding for eligible elementary and secondary students who reside in that state. This opt-in process is not symbolic. It is a required and foundational step that allows scholarship dollars to flow to families. Introduction of a New IRS Form The Revenue Procedure also introduces Form 15714, which governors will use to submit their official election to the IRS. This filing represents the state’s formal participation in the program. Following this election, governors will be required to prepare and submit a list of scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs, within their state that meet the requirements of the federal tax credit scholarship law. At this time, the IRS has not yet released guidance defining how states should determine which SGOs meet those requirements. That guidance is expected in the coming weeks, and it will be a critical next step for organizations, schools, and policymakers to understand. Why This Matters Now This announcement is an important and encouraging early signal from the Trump administration that implementation of the federal tax credit scholarship program is moving forward deliberately and thoughtfully. By allowing governors to opt in well ahead of the program’s effective date, the Treasury and IRS are creating valuable runway. That time matters. It gives SGOs time to prepare operationally. It gives schools time to understand how the program may impact affordability and access. It gives families time to learn what opportunities may become available to them. Most importantly, it gives states time to engage in the process intentionally rather than reactively. What Comes Next While this Revenue Procedure does not answer every question, it represents real progress. The upcoming IRS guidance on SGO qualification will be a major focus point for the education and scholarship community in the months ahead. At RedefinED, we view this as a pivotal moment to begin preparing schools, partners, and policymakers for what is coming. The federal tax credit scholarship program has the potential to significantly expand educational opportunity across the country, but preparation will be key. January 1, 2027 will arrive quickly. Today’s announcement is a clear signal that the work to get there has officially begun. Return Home

A Major Step Forward: Treasury and IRS Request for Comment on the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Washington announced a long-awaited update for the national school choice community. The Department of the Treasury and the IRS released Notice 2025-70, officially opening the public comment period for the new federal tax credit established under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. This is the earliest look at how the federal government plans to implement what will become one of the most transformative funding opportunities for students across the country. What the Notice Confirms Beginning January 1, 2027, individual taxpayers will be able to claim a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for cash contributions made to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These scholarships are specifically intended for elementary and secondary students from low- and middle-income families. This is a national version of what many states have done for years with programs like EITC, EDS, and other state-level credits, but for the first time ever, it is available to taxpayers in every participating state. What Treasury and IRS Are Asking For Notice 2025-70 signals that full proposed regulations are coming, but federal agencies are actively seeking input now. They want comments on: • How States will certify SGOs Every participating State must annually verify which organizations meet the statutory definition of an SGO. The IRS is requesting feedback on what this certification should look like and how it can be done accurately. • The policies and procedures States must use States need a reliable system to ensure the SGOs they list are operating within legal guidelines. The Notice asks for input on what processes should be required or encouraged. • How to handle multi-state or unique SGO structures Some organizations operate only in one state. Others fundraise nationally and award scholarships regionally. The IRS wants to understand these realities to avoid excluding legitimate organizations inadvertently. • Recordkeeping and reporting for SGOs Transparency and accountability will be essential. The IRS is seeking comment on what reporting requirements will ensure compliance without overburdening the organizations doing the work. Why This Matters For the first time, there will be a federal mechanism for families across the nation to support scholarship opportunities for K-12 students. The potential impact is enormous: More scholarship dollars for low- and middle-income families Greater access to educational choice Increased opportunity for schools to expand programming National-level support for private and non-public education models But the details matter, and the rulemaking over the next year will determine how seamless or complicated the rollout becomes. How to Submit Comments If you want to contribute to shaping this program, comments must be submitted by December 26, 2025: Electronically: Use the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal and reference IRS-2025-0466 By Mail: Internal Revenue Service CC:PA:01:PR (Notice 2025-70) Room 5503, P.O. Box 7604 Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044 What Comes Next The Treasury and IRS intend to issue proposed regulations after reviewing public comments. These rules will outline how SGOs, states, schools, and donors interact with the new federal credit. This is the start of the most significant national expansion of educational choice in decades. States, schools, and SGOs that prepare now will be ready to capture the full benefit when 2027 arrives. Return Home

Why Collaboration Is the Key to Success: How RedefinED Works with School Staff, Not Instead of Them One of the most common questions we hear when we begin working with a school is simple and very human: “Are they going to replace me?” It usually comes from a development director, advancement officer or the person who has been carrying the weight of fundraising alone for years. And the honest answer is always the same. Absolutely not. We are not here to replace anyone. We are here to strengthen your work, support your goals and multiply your results. We Make Your Job Easier, Not Harder For many schools, development staff are stretched thin. They are running annual appeals, overseeing events, managing donor relationships, supporting marketing efforts, helping with admissions and somehow still trying to grow tax credit revenue. RedefinED steps in to take the entire tax credit operation off your plate so you can focus on what your school needs most from you. That means more time for: Capital campaigns Annual appeals Donor cultivation Events that build community Major gifts Strategic planning You are not replaced. You are elevated. For Schools Without Development Staff, We Become the Team Not every school has an advancement or development office. In fact, many do not. When a school does not have internal staff dedicated to development, we take it all on when it comes to tax credit fundraising. We manage donor outreach, communication, tracking, systems, and strategy from start to finish. Your school gets a fully built fundraising operation without needing to hire a single employee. We become your development team. For Schools With Staff, We Work Behind the Scenes When a school does have development or advancement staff, our approach shifts. We work behind the scenes, doing the heavy lifting while allowing your internal team to be the face of the work. You maintain the relationships. You maintain the presence. You maintain the visibility. We provide the strategy, execution, systems and support so your staff can shine and succeed in the areas they know best. It is the best of both worlds. The Schools That Embrace Collaboration See the Most Success The difference between good results and transformational results always comes down to one thing: collaboration. Schools that partner closely with our team, communicate often and trust the process are the ones that see extraordinary outcomes. We become an extension of your office. We work hand in hand with your internal staff. We guide, support, execute and measure. It is a true partnership, and it works. FUNDamentals Is Proven and Predictable Our FUNDamentals service is not accidental. It is a trademarked process built from years of data, experience and results. It walks schools through a very specific sequence of steps that consistently produces more giving, more engagement and more scholarship dollars. It is not a mystery. It is a method. When schools follow the process, results follow every single time. Yes, We Really Do Guarantee Your Funding We say it with confidence because we have the data to back it up. If your school follows the FUNDamentals steps we outline, we guarantee your funding will increase. Not hope. Not attempt. Guarantee. Our system was designed to remove uncertainty and bring clarity and consistency to the fundraising process. When our team is working alongside yours, and when your internal staff embraces the collaboration, success becomes predictable. A Partner That Expands What You Can Do RedefinED does not replace your development staff. We empower them. And in schools without staff, we become the team that makes this work possible. We take on the heavy lifting of tax credit fundraising so you can focus on the broader vision of advancement. Together, we raise more, grow more and do more for the students who rely on these opportunities. Collaboration is the heart of what we do. And the schools that choose to lean in are the ones who see the greatest transformation. Return Home

DFER’s New Projections on the Federal Tax Credit Program Are a Game-Changer Every once in a while, data comes out that makes you sit back and say, This could change everything. That is exactly how I felt looking through the new projections that Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) released on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. For anyone following the rollout of the new federal tax credit law set to begin in 2027, these projections are some of the clearest and most compelling evidence yet of what this program can unlock for students across the country. And honestly, the numbers are incredible. A Clear Breakdown of Funding Potential, State by State What I appreciate most about DFER’s work is how they took a complex policy and broke it into something every parent, educator and policymaker can understand: How much funding students in each state could receive if their state opts into the new federal tax credit program. Their detailed state-by-state analysis is published here : https://www.dfer.org/2025/10/06/new-data-projects-potential-24-billion-boost-for-students-through-educational-choice-for-children-act-ecca-2/ One number immediately jumped out at me. In a state like Pennsylvania, the projection is over $967 million dollars. Nearly a billion dollars in potential educational support including tutoring, after school programs, learning materials, scholarships and more, all available if the state opts in and families participate. That is not theoretical. That is life changing. Why This Matters for Schools and Students This program gives students access to things that often fall through the cracks in traditional school budgets: Tutoring After school programs Learning materials Technology and internet access Enrichment programs Scholarships Because taxpayers can redirect up to $1,700 in federal tax liability, nonprofit SGOs can distribute support directly to students who need it most. It is simple. It is powerful. It is long overdue. A Huge Opportunity If States Seize It The data also highlights something important: States must opt in before students can benefit. This is not automatic. It requires leadership. It requires action. And it requires a willingness to innovate instead of sticking with business as usual. DFER’s projections make it clear what is at stake. Billions of dollars that could change a child’s learning experience or be left untouched. For Those of Us Working in School Advancement, This Is Fuel At RedefinED, our work revolves around helping schools access the funding and resources they need to grow, serve and support more students. These projections give us more than numbers. They give us strategy, clarity and momentum. The opportunity ahead is one of the biggest in modern education. And DFER just gave the country a blueprint for what is possible. Now the Question Is: Who Will Step Up The federal program is coming. The resources are there. The need is undeniable. DFER laid out the potential. Now we need leadership, action and urgency to turn that potential into real change for students. If you have not reviewed the projections yet, I highly recommend digging in. They are inspiring, energizing and a powerful reminder of how much brighter the future could be for students across this country. Return Home

Public Schools Have the Opportunity of a Lifetime. Will They Capture It, or Let It Slip Away? Opportunity does not usually knock this loudly. It does not show up with a countdown clock and a promise to reshape educational access across the entire country. But that is exactly what is happening right now with the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program that goes into effect on January 1, 2027. And here is the part too many people are overlooking. This is not just a win for private schools. This is one of the biggest opportunities public schools have ever had to bring new resources directly to their students. The question is not whether the program will help families. It will. The question is whether public schools will recognize what is unfolding in front of them and prepare to use it, or whether they will let the moment pass them by. A Once in a Generation Chance For the first time, individuals can donate to approved scholarship granting organizations and receive a dollar for dollar reduction on their federal tax bill. The credit is worth up to $1,700 per taxpayer every year, and taxpayers can participate with no net cost to themselves. The mechanics are simple. A taxpayer donates to an approved scholarship granting organization. They receive a federal tax credit for that same amount when they file their taxes, up to $1,700. The organization directs those dollars into scholarships and student support services. It functions the same way people already understand energy tax credits or electric vehicle tax credits. The federal government is rewarding qualified contributions that support students. And here is the key point for public schools: These scholarships can fund things public schools desperately need. Free tutoring. After school programs. Summer learning. Literacy support. STEM activities. Enrichment programs normally eliminated when budgets get tight. This is not only about private school tuition. This is about lifting students who need help the most. The Catch: States Must Opt In This entire opportunity hinges on one decision. Governors must opt their states into the program. If they do not opt in, residents can still donate. They will still receive the $1,700 federal credit. But the funds will not come back to serve the students in that state. Every missed donation becomes a missed chance to support the children who need the most intervention. Public schools cannot afford to sit quietly on the sidelines. Not when businesses are eager to invest but cannot do so until the state signals participation. Public Schools Are Not Used to Fundraising And That Puts Them Behind Private schools have spent decades raising money because they have always needed outside funding. They built donor pipelines, systems, and development teams. Public schools were never expected to do that. Their budgets come from tax dollars, not philanthropy. Fundraising was something PTOs did occasionally, not something the district relied on as part of its operating structure. That means most public school districts have no: • Development staff • Donor systems • Tax credit fundraising strategy • Infrastructure to capture these dollars The opportunity is enormous, but the readiness gap is real. This is why many public schools will likely need to partner with organizations like RedefinED that already specialize in tax credit fundraising, donor engagement, scholarship program management, and large scale development operations. The timeline is short, and the schools that move quickly will see the greatest benefit. Public Schools Should Be Leading the Charge Every superintendent who has ever said “We need more resources” “We need more support services” “We need stronger intervention options” now has something powerful to point to. Here is a federal program designed to do exactly that. This is the moment for public schools to speak up and say We want it. Our students need it. Our families deserve it. Because if they do not raise their voices now, they may look back one day and realize they let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away. The Window Is Open The countdown has started. And opportunities like this rarely come twice. Public schools have every reason to embrace this. The only question is whether they will capture it or let it slip by. Return Home