FOR DONORS
Generosity with a purpose that reaches beyond one student.
Helping a child access a faith-based education can change more than that child’s academic path.
I’m Interested in GivingIt can strengthen a family, support a Christian school, encourage a community, and help create places where young people are taught to live with faith, hope, love, wisdom, and a desire to serve others.
When we invest in Christian education, we are helping equip the next generation not only to succeed, but to understand what they believe, live it with conviction, and carry the message of Christ into their homes, churches, workplaces, communities — and wherever God may lead them in the world.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
That is the deeper purpose behind giving to Equip NWA.
A scholarship can open a school door for one student. But the impact can extend much further — through a family strengthened by faith, a school able to serve more children, a community shaped by lives of service and conviction, and a generation prepared to carry the Gospel beyond Northwest Arkansas into communities and cultures around the world.
Your generosity can help equip students, strengthen families, invest in the spiritual life of Northwest Arkansas, and help send faith, hope, and love far beyond our own community.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT
A new opportunity beginning in 2027.
The federal program provides a potential nonrefundable credit of up to $1,700 per eligible individual for qualifying cash contributions to qualifying SGOs.
Reduces taxable income.
The tax savings generally depend on your tax rate and whether the deduction is available to you.
Reduces tax liability directly.
A qualifying taxpayer making a $1,700 eligible contribution to a qualifying SGO may potentially receive up to a $1,700 federal income tax credit.
January 1, 2027
The federal program begins in 2027. It does not make 2026 contributions eligible.
Participation elected
Arkansas has made its advance election for 2027. State participation does not qualify every organization.
Up to $3,400 combined
The October 2026 proposed regulations provide this treatment for married couples filing jointly. The IRS says taxpayers may rely on the proposal for qualifying contributions beginning in 2027; it is not a final regulation.
Requirements come first
An SGO must satisfy federal requirements and be on the applicable state’s list submitted to the IRS. Temporary rules also set registration and reporting procedures.
“Nonrefundable” means the credit cannot reduce federal income tax liability below zero. Your circumstances, including other credits, affect the result. Consult your tax adviser; this page is general information, not individual tax advice.
Official sources · Reviewed October 6, 2026
IRS program & participating statesIRS October 1, 2026 updateArkansas Department of Education announcement (PDF)Proposed regulationsTemporary regulationsWHAT IS CONFIRMED—AND WHAT ISN’T
Clarity comes first.
The law establishes the 2027 credit. The $1,700 individual limit and the state/SGO eligibility framework come from section 25F. Arkansas has made its advance election to participate.
Detailed implementation is still developing. The October 2, 2026 publication includes proposed rules and companion temporary rules. The temporary rules are effective December 1, 2026. The joint-filing treatment described above is in the proposal, not a final regulation.
Equip NWA’s status is separate. We are working toward applicable requirements. State participation alone does not mean that donations to Equip NWA qualify. We will announce qualified giving only after the required status and processes are confirmed.
Qualifying SGOs generally must be eligible 501(c)(3) public charities, meet scholarship and operational rules, maintain qualified contributions separately, and appear on the relevant state list submitted to the IRS. Registration and acknowledgment requirements also apply.
Ask About the 2027 Tax CreditStart with a conversation.
Tell us about your interest in supporting local students. We’ll share confirmed opportunities as our organization and programs develop. No gift or commitment is required.
I’m Interested in GivingWE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED
Be part of what comes next.
Families, donors, schools, churches, businesses, and neighbors: there’s a place for you in this mission.