An SFO is a Scholarship Funding Organization. Basically it is an organization which provides financial assistance for attendance at private school. Each SFO is a legal entity with its own rules and governing regulations.Always ask if an SFO has been set up in your state. Scholarship Funding Organizations are permitted by an act of the state legislature and allow corporations to donate tax-deductible funds for K-12 scholarships.
Arizona Independent Schools Scholarship Foundation
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program
Georgia Tax Credit for Private School Costs and Scholarship Donations
Illinois—Education Expenses Credit
Iowa—Education Tax Credits
Iowa—School Tuition Organization Tax Credit
Louisiana—Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program
Louisiana—Elementary and Secondary School Tuition Deduction
Maine—Town Tuitioning
Minnesota K–12 Education Credit and Subtraction Program
Ohio—Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program
Ohio—Educational Choice Scholarship Pilot Program (EdChoice)
Pennsylvania—Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program
Rhode Island—Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations
Rhode Island Scholarship Alliance
Vermont—Town Tuitioning
Wisconsin—Milwaukee Parental Choice Program
District of Columbia—DC Opportunity Scholarship Program
A Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) is an organization which provides financial assistance for attendance at private school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SFO in education funding?
An SFO is a Scholarship Funding Organization that provides financial assistance for attendance at private school and is permitted by state legislature to allow corporations to donate tax–deductible funds for K–12 scholarships.
Are there scholarship programs that use tax credits to support private school attendance?
Yes, examples include the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program, Iowa Education Tax Credits, and the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.
Can corporations donate to help fund K–12 scholarships through SFOs?
Yes, corporations can donate tax–deductible funds to Scholarship Funding Organizations for K–12 scholarships.
Which program offers scholarships for private school tuition in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Milwaukee Parental Choice Program provides scholarships for private school tuition.
Does Rhode Island have named Scholarship Funding Organizations supporting private school tuition?
Yes, Rhode Island has the Rhode Island Scholarship Alliance and offers tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations.
Recent Articles
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.
