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A New Opportunity to Support Jewish Education
Learn how the new federal education tax credit could help make Jewish day school more affordable for Nashville families.
At a Glance:
Begins January 1, 2027:
Eligible taxpayers can claim a federal tax credit for qualifying contributions to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
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Up to $1,700 per eligible taxpayer:
The credit can reduce federal income tax owed, subject to program requirements.
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More scholarship opportunities:
The program is designed to help make education more affordable for eligible students.
The Opportunity Fund for Jewish Education
The Opportunity Fund for Jewish Education is a national Scholarship Granting Organization established by Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with Prizmah and the Orthodox Union. It helps donors support Jewish day school scholarships through the new federal education tax credit. How can Jewish day schools participate in the Opportunity Fund? Learn more below.
What Donors Should Know
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Cash contributions are required. Under the Opportunity Fund’s current guidance, gifts of stock and grants from donor-advised funds (DAFs) do not qualify.
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You don’t need to have children in school. Eligible taxpayers can participate even if they don’t have school-age children.
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You can designate a school or community. Donors may designate their contribution to an eligible Jewish day school or community, but cannot direct scholarships to a specific student or family.
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Scholarships are subject to eligibility requirements. Participating schools and students must meet program rules, and scholarship availability depends on eligible students and available funding.
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The credit applies to the year of your contribution. Eligible donors claim the credit on their federal tax return for that calendar year.
Consult a tax professional. Individual circumstances vary, so speak with a qualified tax advisor about how the credit may apply to you.
Learn more: Opportunity Fund Contributor FAQs
What Could This Mean for Jewish Nashville?
​The new federal tax credit could help make Jewish education more affordable for Nashville families by expanding scholarship opportunities for tuition and other eligible education expenses. Tennessee has opted into the program, but local school participation and implementation details are still being confirmed. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
The Federation’s Role
Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is helping our community understand this new opportunity and what it could mean for local families, schools, and donors.
More Information and Resources
Federal Government
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U.S. Department of the Treasury’s preview of the proposed regulations
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Fact Sheet: President Trump Delivers Affordable School Choice Options Through Education Freedom Tax Credit
Tennessee
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Tennessee Department of Education: Scholarship Granting Organizations
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Federal Education Tax Credit Program Update Tennessee: Federal Education Tax Credit Program Update
Jewish Community Resources
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Jewish Federations of North America: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Resources for Donors, Families, and Schools
Last updated: October 14, 2026
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This page is for general informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice.
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Consult a qualified tax professional about your individual circumstances.