09/27/2026
If you pay taxes, please take a moment and read below. You do not have to be from Memphis or from Tennessee to take advantage of this opportunity. Anyone can take advantage of this if you will have a tax bill in 2027.
You may or may not know that I worked at The Collegiate School of Memphis for eight years from 2013-2021, and I now serve on the board of directors. This is an amazing school that is doing great work in our city. As with all non-profits, it can be a challenge to consistently raise funds year in and year out to continue to provide the necessary resources for our scholars.
You also may or may not know that as part of the Big Beautiful Bill that was passed last summer, it created a tax credit that anyone that pays taxes can take advantage of. This is a 100% dollar for dollar tax credit, not a deduction. If you will pay any taxes in 2027, this tax credit will allow you to take advantage of up to $1,700 for an individual or $3,400 if married and filing jointly. This provides a wonderful opportunity for you to support the amazing work that is being done at Collegiate, and it doesn't cost you anything. If you will pay taxes in 2027, then you can send the $1,700/$3,400 to the IRS, or direct it to Collegiate. We obviously believe that we can invest those dollars more effectively and strategically, and would be very grateful if you would commit to taking advantage of this tax credit in 2027 to support our scholars.
The Collegiate School of Memphis serves over 360 scholars each years from 6-12 grade that come primarily from low income households. Collegiate has graduated 100% of their senior class every year with 100% college acceptance. Tuition is approximately $14,000 with each family paying a portion based on a sliding scale that accounts for family income. Most families pay between $700-1,000 in annual tuition. The remainder of the $14,000 tuition is supplemented through fundraising, ESA vouchers, and EFS funds from the state. After available funding from state resources, there is about a $4,000 gap per student that the school has to raise funds to cover. This available tax credit can help us cover that gap with your commitment.
As we start the planning and budgeting process for next year, will you commit to supporting The Collegiate School of Memphis by using your available tax credit for 2027? If so, we would like to add you to our commitment list, so that we can keep you informed and follow up with you next year when it is time to make contributions. You can send me a direct message with your email and phone number if you would like to commit, so that we can keep you informed with information about the tax Credit as we move into 2027.
Quick facts about the tax credit:
-Applies to every federal tax payer
-Applies to contributions made in 2027. You can start giving to Collegiate on January 1, 2027.
-It's a CREDIT, NOT a DEDUCTION. A $-for-$ credit
-Up to $1700 credit per tax payer, or $3400 if married filing jointly
-If you pay taxes, this credit reduces the amount you owe (again, dollar for dollar).
-One way or the other, you pay this money — you don't keep the money! You either pay taxes to Washington or you can help a kid access a great education in our community by giving it to Collegiate
-SO, your contribution costs you nothing; it is completely refunded to you through a reduced tax liability
-The contribution is made to/through MOST (the SGO - scholarship granting organization), and 100% of your contribution goes to scholarship a student at Collegiate. No administrative fees are withheld.
I have also attached a flyer with information about the tax credit and The Collegiate School of Memphis. This is for your information, and is a great resource to share with others in your network.
Can a student at Collegiate count on your contribution in 2027?
