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Step Up For Students is an initiative of the Florida Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarship Program, an educational plan designed to help low-income families in Florida obtain the best education for their children.
Under this program, corporations that owe Florida corporate income tax can redirect a portion of their tax obligation to non-profit organizations that award K-12 scholarships to students qualifying for the federal government's free or reduced lunch program.
Parents can use these scholarships to send their child to a public or private school that provides the best learning environment that meets their particular needs. The corporation in turn will receive a 100 percent tax credit for every dollar they donate. Participating corporations redirect funds they must already pay to the state, enabling them to help low-income children achieve greater educational excellence at no cost. As a result, the program is paving the way for an educated workforce that will greatly contribute to the betterment of our communities.
By law, 100 percent of a company's contribution will fund scholarships - not a single penny of your money can be used for administrative costs. Dollars can fund scholarships for children in your local area or across the state.
This year the Step Up For Students program gave 17,000 kids a second chance to succeed in the classroom, and we have success story after success story to prove that the scholarships are a step up for those least likely to afford any kind of school choice options.
Participating companies do not have to be domiciled in Florida; the only requirement is that they have tax liability with the state.
Participation is simple and easy. For additional information call toll free (800) 782-9140.
1. Open this PDF for instructions.
2. With the PDF open, visit this website and complete the form.
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Corporations may redirect up to 75 percent of their corporate state income tax liability every fiscal year.
Florida's Department of Revenue gives participating corporations a dollar for dollar tax credit for every dollar transferred to fund scholarships.
None of the redirected tax dollars can be used for administrative costs - 100% goes to the students.
Parent household income level must fall within financial guidelines set by the National School Lunch Program. The typical CTC scholarship family has an average income of $23,347 for a family of four. Scholarship Funding Organizations verify qualification every year.
Giving to the CTC does not interfere with other philanthropic giving.
Scholarships that pay for students' transportation to an out-of-district public school are limited to $500.
Scholarships that pay for private school tuition are limited to $3,750, or the cost of tuition, whichever is less.
The Program is capped at $88 million.
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You can also help us provide educational opportunities for thousands of low-income children. Here s how:
Individuals, organizations and foundations can also participate in the Step Up For Students program by providing program and administrative support in the form of monetary donations and grants.
A $25 donation can change the life of a child.
Because 100 percent of the CTC funds must be used for scholarships, there is no allowance in the law to cover program costs associated with administrating and distributing the scholarships. Program costs are funded by generous individuals and foundations that believe in equipping all of Florida s children with the educational tools for a successful future.
Step Up For Students is supported entirely by voluntary grants and contributions. Government grants are neither sought nor accepted. Contributions at any level are welcome.
Your gift is highly leveraged. The Walton Family Foundation has awarded Step Up For Students a grant to assist in the administrative costs of distributing K-12 scholarships to low-income children throughout Florida. The matching grant coupled with the fact that Step Up For Students overhead is less than two percent of funds distributed equates to a highly leveraged charitable donation. It only costs $50 to administer each scholarship. See how far your gift can go:
$25 gift + $25 match = $3,750 distributed to 1 low-income student
$100 gift + $100 match = $15,000 distributed to 4 low-income students
$500 gift + $500 match = $75,000 distributed to 20 low-income students
$1,000 gift + $1,000 match = $150,000 distributed to 40 low-income students
$2,000 gift + $2,000 match = $300,000 distributed to 80 low-income students
$5,000 gift + $5,000 match = $750,000 distributed to 200 low-income students
$10,000 gift + $10,000 match = $1,500,000 distributed to 400 low-income students
Your donation will be allocated among the two state approved Scholarship Funding Organizations - Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First Florida. Your gift will be used for the purposes of distributing scholarship funds that have been raised through the Step Up for Students Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program (CTC). Individuals and organizations may also designate donations to a specific geographic region.
Supporters of Step Up For Students benefit from the unique confidence that their gift directly benefits thousands of at-risk students to help them achieve academic success.
Step Up For Students is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) code; all contributions are tax-deductible.
Our financial records are audited each year, and an audited financial statement is available upon request.
To find out more information, contact Kerri Vaughan at
(866) 344-9553 or kvaughan@stepupforstudents.com
Mail Donations Payable to:
Step Up For Students
337 South Plant Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
Tax ID: 59-3649371
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