IL Tax Credit Scholarships

List of 8 items.

• Who is eligible to receive a scholarship?

  Families with limited financial resources and income up to 300% of the federal poverty level are eligible. Families who are re-applying and have received a scholarship in the previous year can make up to 400% of the federal poverty level and receive a scholarship again.  For the current federal poverty levels, click here:  Federal Poverty Guidelines
  

  • Students from households that are lower than 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a full tuition scholarship.
  • Students from households that are between 185 - 250% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a 75% tuition scholarship.
  • Students from households that are between 250% - 300% are eligible for a 50% tuition scholarship.

• What are tax credit scholarships?

  Tax credit scholarships are awarded by Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to eligible students from low-income families. Contributors will use money already owed to the state (taxes) and contribute it to a needs-based scholarship. Donors receive a 75% state tax credit. For example, if they contribute $1,000 to this program, they will receive a $750 credit on their IL income tax.  Contributors are essentially also making a donation (for which they receive no tax benefit) when you consider that 25% of their contribution does not receive a credit. 

• How much money can a student receive through this scholarship?

  Depending on the household income, the scholarships cover 50%, 75% or 100% of a student’s tuition and eligible fees. They are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and applicants who have received a scholarship in the past will take precedence in the following years should they choose to re-apply.  Applicants MUST REAPPLY EVERY YEAR if they wish to continue in the scholarship program. 

   

• Should I apply to more than one SGO?

  You can apply to as many SGOs as desired. We recommend families apply with both Children’s Tuition Fund and Bright Promise Fund as we receive significant contributions through both of these organizations. 
  
  Please note that if your student receives a scholarship from more than one SGO, you will need to choose one scholarship and decline the other.

• What information do I need for the scholarship application?

  The first step is to complete an initial, brief application with the SGO.  One application is required per student/child.  Minimal information is needed and this step secures the student's place in line.  Go to the SGO's website for specific information on what they require.  Typically, the SGO will need your Annual Household Income (AGI from your taxes), parent/guardian contact information, number of people in your household, and your home address. 
  
  The second step is to complete a financial aid file through FACTS.  There is a small fee annually to complete the FACTS file, but you only need to pay the fee once regardless of how many SGO's you apply to for scholarship.  For Step 2, the FACTS file, you will need:  Proof of Illinois residency, your adjusted gross income, and a copy of your most recent tax return. They may require other documents as well. This is an online system and will require an email address for login.  One FACTS file is required per family.

• What if we don't receive a scholarship?

  You are encouraged to apply for Tuition Assistance directly with SCCS and CCHS. In fact, since the tax scholarship process is lengthy, we highly recommend you apply for Tuition Assistance in addition to applying for the scholarship.
  
  Apply for Tuition Assistance as early as possible. For students new to our schools, the application for assistance is handled through the admissions process.  For returning students, the application for assistance is handled during re-enrollment.
  

• What is "priority status"?

  Priority is given for students that:
  

  • Received a scholarship for the prior school year,
  • Have a family income less than 185% of the federal poverty level, and/or
  • Reside in a focus district. (A focus district is a public school or district identified by the state to be operating at lower standards. The city of Chicago is considered a Focus District.)

  Priority status is honored through April 1st.

• When are scholarships awarded?

  SGOs begin disbursing scholarships as soon funds are available, typically beginning in March.  Funds can be awarded as late as December or January for the current school year, as many contributors make their donations by December 31st for tax purposes. 
  
  As a school, SCCS has to re-secure these contributions year after year.  The scholarships are awarded based on a combination of priority levels and first-come, first-served status. The scholarship funding goes quickly, therefore, it is important to apply as early as possible.