By Mike Dillender
SBS Parent and Board Treasurer
What if you had a lever within easy reach to direct your state income tax dollars straight to help StoneBridge families?
That lever exists.
The Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF), a ministry of the Association of Christian Schools International, helps families who want a Christ-centered education for their children. It does so through the Virginia’s Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program (EISTC), which allows taxpayers to redirect part of their state taxes to provide scholarships for students at schools like StoneBridge.
For many families, especially those who could not otherwise afford tuition, this program makes a StoneBridge education possible. It strengthens parental choice, supports faith-based education, and serves the broader public by diversifying educational opportunities across Virginia. This kind of educational freedom benefits not just individual families—but communities.
Contributions to the program have a tangible impact. It helps students remain in an environment where they are shaped academically, spiritually, and morally. For dozens of families each year, CTF scholarships make the difference between just hoping for this education and actually receiving it.
Tangible Impact: Participation Matters
Last year was a tremendous success for this program at StoneBridge School. Contributions designated to StoneBridge hit a record high, providing scholarships for dozens of current students. These families are deeply grateful to every donor who made this possible. However, continued momentum in early 2026 is essential to sustain and expand these scholarship opportunities as we look ahead to a new academic year.
As school choice and private K–12 funding remain politically debated topics, programs like Virginia’s tax credit-scholarship program are strongly supported by school-choice advocates and many faith-based communities. But programs like this can change quickly given the political landscape on either side of the aisle.
If the program were to be removed, families who rely on these scholarships could lose access to educational options they depend upon. Opportunities to redirect tax dollars in this way would also disappear. That is why participation early and often matters as the opportunity to do so may not always be available in the future.
Getting Started: A Smart Tax Move Anyone Can Make
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Only two things are certain: death and taxes.” While Scripture reminds us that our days are ordained by God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2), most people have far more flexibility over their tax liability than they may realize.
Virginia taxpayers who contribute to CTF receive a 65 percent state tax credit. For example:
- A $1,000 gift to CTF designated to StoneBridge earns a $650 Virginia tax credit.
- A $10,000 gift earns a $6,500 tax credit.
The math works the same at every level.
Additionally, your CTF contribution qualifies as a federal charitable deduction, making this one of the most tax-advantaged giving opportunities available. Some repeat donors have even described their annual CTF contribution as “the gift that keeps giving.” You may choose to reinvest your prior year’s tax credit into a new gift, continuing the cycle of impact.
Importantly, you do not need to be a high-income individual or business owner to participate. The minimum personal donation is $500 annually. Setting aside just $50 per month allows many families to participate and bless others in the community.
Getting started is simple:
- Decide on your annual giving amount (minimum $500 for individuals).
- Complete the one-page Preauthorization Form on the CTF Virginia website.
- Designate your contribution to StoneBridge School.
- Make your gift and receive your 65 percent Virginia state tax credit.
For more information on how to get started, visit the StoneBridge website here. Early planning helps ensure you secure tax credits before annual allocations are exhausted. For more tax strategy insight, you can also attend the MAX YOUR TAX DINNER, March 9 at StoneBridge School. To learn more or if you missed the date, contact SBS Director of Advancement Sara Gainor at sara.gainor@stonebridgeschool.com
A Win-Win for Families and Donors
CTF is a rare opportunity to align your generosity, stewardship, and financial strategy. It allows you to redirect tax dollars you already owe toward helping StoneBridge families access Christ-centered education—while receiving significant tax benefits in return.
It is truly a win-win for the whole community. Let’s build on last year’s record to set a new record for CTF donations to StoneBridge School in 2026.
Featured image generated through AI.
