For Donors

Redirect your taxes.
Change a child's life.

The new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit lets you fund a Catholic education for a Kentucky child — and get every dollar back. Give up to $1,700, receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, and pay nothing out of pocket.

Get Notified When Giving Opens
How it works

Simpler than it sounds

1

You give

Donate up to $1,700 to the Kolbe & Castello Fund. Giving opens January 1, 2027.

2

You get it back

Claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit when you file — the full amount, not a deduction.

3

A child learns

A Kentucky child receives a scholarship for a Catholic education. Your out-of-pocket cost is $0.

A tax credit is not a deduction — a deduction lowers your taxable income, while a credit comes straight off your tax bill. And if your credit is larger than what you owe in a given year, the unused portion carries forward for up to five years.
Same tax payment · far bigger impact

Give $1,700. Get $1,700 back.

It's true: eligible taxpayers can redirect part of their federal tax bill to scholarships and receive a 100% tax credit — same tax payment, far bigger impact.

Who can give

You don't have to be wealthy — or live in Kentucky

Any American taxpayer who owes federal income tax can donate, regardless of which state you live in. Even if your state hasn't joined the program, you can still give to a Kentucky organization like ours and claim the federal credit. If you pay federal taxes, you can turn part of that obligation into a child's education.

Hear it from a financial advisor

Still have questions?

Watch a short explainer from a financial professional on how the Education Freedom Tax Credit works — and how to make the most of it.

Video coming soon
A financial professional explains the Education Freedom Tax Credit — provided by the Fund before launch.
Donor FAQ

Good questions, answered

When can I donate?
Giving opens January 1, 2027. Join our notification list and we'll tell you the moment it does.
Is this really free?
The credit returns your gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,700, against your federal tax liability. For most eligible donors, the net cost is zero. We're not tax advisors — confirm your specific situation with a CPA or financial advisor.
What if I owe less than $1,700 in federal tax?
Unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years.
Can I direct my gift to a particular school?
You may request that your gift support a specific partner school, but funds cannot be earmarked for an individual student.
I'm a CPA or wealth manager. Can I help my clients participate?
Yes — and we'd love to connect. Let us know on the notification form and we'll send resources you can share with clients.
Be the first to know

Ready when giving opens?

Join our list and we'll make sure you're first in line to claim your credit on January 1, 2027.

No spam — just timelines, next steps, and how to make the most of the opportunity.
Thank you — you're on the list. We'll be in touch as soon as there's news to share.
KCF PreviewDesign 1 · Bright