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TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIPS · EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT

Your taxes. Their future.

Starting January 1, 2027, you can send up to $1,700 ($3,400 married) of the federal tax you already owe to Maranatha scholarships instead of Washington — at $0 net cost to you.

Pledge Now See Your Numbers
100%dollar-for-dollar credit
$0net cost to your family
50states can give
Jan 1, 2027qualifying gifts begin

THE SIMPLE IDEA

Same dollars. An eternal difference.

If your total federal tax is $10,000, you pay $10,000 either way. Give $1,700 to Accord Kids for Maranatha and the IRS gets $8,300 — while a Saint Robert student gets a Christ-centered education.

Accord Kids is the Scholarship Granting Organization of the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). By law, at least 90% of what it receives goes to student scholarships.

TAX IMPACT CALCULATOR

What would your gift really cost?

Filing status

Estimated federal tax: $2,040. Assumes the current-year standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 married) unless your itemized deductions are larger, plus the $2,200 child tax credit. Other income, deductions or credits can change your actual tax — the “I have my tax return” tab is most accurate.

Cap: $3,400 (both spouses contribute).

Tax credit$2,040
Your federal tax becomes$0instead of $2,040
Net cost to your family$0
To Maranatha scholarships$3,400

$1,360 of unused credit can carry forward up to 5 years.

Estimate based on IRC §25F and current Treasury guidance. Not tax advice — please confirm with your tax professional.

LEARN IN A FEW MINUTES

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YOUR GIVING JOURNEY

Four simple steps

  1. 01

    Pledge now

    Reserve your gift through Accord Kids today and select Maranatha Baptist Academy – Saint Robert.

  2. 02

    Give in 2027

    Make your cash gift on or after January 1, 2027 (check, card, bank transfer). Stock and crypto don’t qualify.

  3. 03

    Get your donor number

    Accord Kids sends your acknowledgment with a donor number by January 31, 2028. No Social Security number needed.

  4. 04

    Claim on Form 8525

    File your 2027 return in April 2028 with Form 8525 to cut your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

Download the one-page guide

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE

Reserve your gift for Maranatha

Pledge today through Accord Kids. Be sure Maranatha Baptist Academy – Saint Robert is selected so your scholarship dollars stay in Pulaski County.

  • Secure form from Accord Kids (AACS)
  • Share with grandparents and friends anywhere in the U.S.

QUESTIONS FROM FAMILIES & GRANDPARENTS

Good to know

Is this a deduction?

No. It’s a 100% dollar-for-dollar credit that comes straight off the tax you owe — not a deduction that saves only a few cents per dollar.

Can grandparents and out-of-state family give?

Yes. Donors in all 50 states can claim the federal credit on their own return. Missouri has opted in, so Maranatha students can receive scholarships.

Can I give to my own grandchild?

You can direct your gift to Maranatha Baptist Academy, but federal law prohibits earmarking a gift for a specific student by name. Accord Kids awards scholarships fairly to eligible students.

What if my credit is more than my tax?

The credit is nonrefundable — it can’t take your tax below zero — but unused credit carries forward for up to 5 years.

Will a December 2026 gift count?

No. Gifts in 2026 are ordinary charitable gifts. Only cash gifts on or after January 1, 2027 qualify. Pledge now; give in 2027.

Do I have to wait until April 2028 to benefit?

No. Once you give in 2027 you can update your W-4 to lower withholding and see the savings in your paychecks.

Can families still use a 529 plan?

Yes. Scholarships can stack with 529 K–12 withdrawals (up to $20,000/year). The same expense just can’t be paid twice.

Who qualifies for a scholarship?

Households at or below 300% of area median income — roughly 95% of K–12 students. Scholarships can cover tuition, fees, books, tutoring and more.

Read: 5 surprising ways to fund scholarships for free
Friends sharing lunch at Maranatha

THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOUR FAMILY HERE

Come meet
your Maranatha.

The best way to get to know us? Come see for yourself.

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