Expanding Access to Catholic Education Through the Education Freedom Tax Credit
The Diocese of Colorado Springs is proud to serve as an approved Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) under the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. In partnership with ACE Scholarships, the Diocese is working to expand educational opportunities and make Catholic education more accessible to families throughout southern Colorado.
Beginning January 1, 2027, taxpayers may be eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions made to the Diocese's scholarship program. These donations will support scholarships for eligible students attending Catholic schools across the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
How the Education Freedom Tax Credit Works
The Education Freedom Tax Credit allows individuals to support K–12 student scholarships while receiving a federal income tax credit for their contribution.
Here's how it works:
- Make a contribution to the Diocese of Colorado Springs Scholarship Fund.
- Claim a federal tax credit equal to the amount of your donation, up to $1,700 annually, subject to IRS requirements.
- Scholarship funds are awarded to eligible students and families seeking a Catholic education within the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
- Students benefit from increased access to Catholic schools, while donors directly support educational opportunity and school choice.
Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces the amount of federal income tax owed, making this one of the most impactful ways to support Catholic education.
A Partnership Dedicated to Student Success
Through its partnership with ACE Scholarships, the Diocese of Colorado Springs is building on a shared commitment to helping families access high-quality educational opportunities. ACE Scholarships has a long history of assisting families with tuition scholarships and increasing access to schools that best meet their children's needs.
Together, the Diocese and ACE Scholarships will administer scholarship opportunities that help families choose a faith-filled educational environment rooted in academic excellence, Catholic values, and spiritual formation.
Investing in Catholic Education
Catholic schools play a vital role in forming young people as disciples of Jesus Christ while preparing them for lifelong success. The Education Freedom Tax Credit creates a new opportunity for donors to support this mission and help ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent families from choosing a Catholic education.
Contributions made through the program will help provide tuition assistance and educational scholarships for eligible students throughout the Diocese.
Supporting Families Across Southern Colorado
The Diocese of Colorado Springs is committed to serving families across our region by connecting generous donors with students who can benefit from a Catholic school education. Through this innovative federal program and our partnership with ACE Scholarships, more families will have access to the academic, spiritual, and personal formation that Catholic schools provide.
Learn More
Additional information regarding donor participation, scholarship eligibility, and application procedures will be announced as implementation of the Education Freedom Tax Credit program moves forward.
Together with ACE Scholarships, the Diocese of Colorado Springs is helping create new pathways for students and families to experience the transformative gift of Catholic education.
For more information, please contact Ali Paglia-Almquist at alipagliaalmquist@diocs.org.