Financial Aid Tax Credit Program

Financial aid has been a cornerstone of Paideia School since our inception over 40 years ago. The auction, the annual fund, and numerous events on campus demonstrate our community’s commitment to financial aid. Now we have another opportunity to show that support. Many of you in the Paideia community know about the opportunity to redirect Georgia income tax dollars to Paideia’s financial aid program. After careful consideration, the Paideia board of trustees voted to join this program and the school has partnered with the Apogee School Choice Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) Student Scholarship Organization (SSO).

The Financial Aid Tax Credit (FATC) program provides an opportunity for taxpayers to redirect Georgia tax dollars to provide financial aid assistance to incoming Paideia students that are currently enrolled in public school.  In the past two years over $500,000 has been raised for financial aid that will fund long term financial aid grants for qualifying students.

Here’s how it works:

• Georgia taxpayers can make a contribution within statutory limits to an SSO ($2,500 for married couples filing jointly; $1,000 for individuals; and 75 percent of Georgia corporate tax liability for companies).  
• The state of Georgia will then issue you an income tax credit in the full amount of your contribution. 
• The SSO qualifies as a charity for federal income tax purposes.  Therefore, contributions made through this program generate a charitable deduction for any taxpayers who itemizes on their returns.  This tax benefit is of particular value to taxpayers who are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax. 

The state of Georgia has placed an annual cap on the total amount of tax credits that may be awarded through this program.  This year, only $50 million of tax credits will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.  There has been a dramatic jump in Georgia taxpayers taking advantage of this program as it has gained momentum. If you are interested in participating, we urge you to make your commitment early in the calendar year.

Thank you for considering a contribution to Paideia’s financial aid through this program.  You can find all the resources necessary to participate in this program on this website.  Go to the “Directions” tab to begin the process.  If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Delgado in the development office at Paideia at delgado.tracy@paideiaschool.org or 404-270-2329.