Support

IL Tax Credit Scholarships

Invest in Kids Act - The IL Tax Scholarship Program

The Invest in Kids Act, passed by Illinois state legislators in 2017, was designed to create a more equitable formula for school funding.  The program unfortunately will expire this year --  2023.

Scholarships for SCCS and CCHS students have been funded by individuals and businesses who contribute to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) in return for a 75% state tax credit. Scholarships are awarded to families with financial need that choose to enroll their children in  private schools to secure a quality education. 

If you'd like to make a contribution before the program ends, we encourage you to gift through these SGO's: 

  1. The Children's Tuition Fund (CTF) - CTF is part of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).  DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTION IS 12/15/2023.
  2. The Bright Promise Fund - This local organization is well known in our community and is also a Christian organization.  DEADLINE IS BEING DETERMINED, LIKELY 12/8/2023.
SCCS has many students waitlisted for a scholarship.  If you make a contribution, your support can still be designated for our school and students.  However, if SCCS receives a large influx of donations at year end, and we are able to fund all of the students on our waitlist, any remaining contributions could go to another deserving student in Illinois.

     

Seeking a Tax Credit?

Need additional assistance?  See the Resources on the right of this page.  You can also contact Jean Bergeson, Director of Mission Advancement.  She is available to walk you through this process.  Contact her directly at Jbergeson@swchristian.org or 708.388.7656, ext. 1052.

  

Steps to Make a Contribution

  • For the first time, you will need to create an account on the My Tax Illinois website and apply for a tax credit letter ID.
    • The state will mail you a letter with a tax id code.  This letter comes via the US Postal Service and takes 7 to 10 days to receive.
    • Use this code to set up an account with a username and passcode.  
  • Using your Username and Passcode, log into your account to request a Certificate of Contribution for the IL Invest in Kids Act.
    • After login, on landing page under the "Summary" tab, see right of screen and click on "View More Account Options".
    • Click on "Contribute to Invest in Kids", and follow prompts to complete requesting the Certificate.
  • You should receive an online notification from the Illinois Department of Revenue.  
    • This notification will come to you within the online system and should arrive in a matter of minutes.
    • The notification should include Certificate of Credit.  Save a copy of this document to your computer.
  • You have 60 days to make your contribution to the SGO.
    • Go to the website for the Children's Tuition Fund or the Bright Promise Fund, and follow their instructions for making your contribution. Both organizations accept donations online, or you can mail a check.
    • Be sure to Choose Region 1 - Cook County, and designate the funds for Southwest Chicago Christian School.
  • Once you make your contribution, the state will send you a letter electronically through your MyTaxIllinois account.  Retain this letter for your taxes to claim your credit.  

Seeking a Scholarship?

This scholarship program is ending.  Please visit our Admissions page to find out more about our Tuition Assistance program.  

To our current 2023-24 Tax Credit Scholarship recipient families:  Please know that we are working diligently to see how we can continue support for you and your children.  Your scholarships are secure through the end of this school year.  We are praying for each of you!  

We serve the God of Deuteronomy - a might and awesome God.  Our hope is in Him!

Questions?

If you have questions about the IL Tax Credit Scholarship Program, please contact your Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) or Jean Bergeson, Director-Mission Advancement at 708.388.7656, ext. 1052 or JBergeson@swchristian.org.