Donors can give to Scholar Street’s general scholarship fund, or direct their support to a designated fund serving a specific community.
Undesignated gifts support need- and merit-based scholarships across all eligible students, giving the Independent Selection Committee the flexibility to direct funds where the need is greatest in any given award cycle. For most donors, this is the simplest and most responsive way to give.
Under the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, support isn’t limited to private school tuition. Eligible students include children in public schools who need help beyond the classroom, and funds can be applied to any eligible use the law permits — tutoring, special-needs services and therapies, learning materials, technology, and other qualified K–12 expenses.
For families seeking a values-centered education, supporting students attending religious K–12 schools.
For students with autism, learning differences, and speech or developmental needs requiring specialized instruction, therapies, and support services.
For children of active-duty, reserve, and veteran service members, whose schooling is often disrupted by relocation and deployment.
The designated fund structure can be expanded to reach additional underserved communities as they are identified — giving donors a direct way to support the populations they care about most.
Whether a gift is undesignated or directed to a specific fund, all award decisions remain with the Independent Scholarship Selection Committee, which operates outside Scholar Street’s Board. A donor may choose the community their gift serves. A donor may not choose which student receives it. That separation is what keeps the program credible.