Redirect Your Federal Taxes Toward Christian Education in Gardendale
Beginning in 2027, the Education Freedom Tax Credit lets eligible taxpayers give to scholarships and reduce their federal tax bill by the same amount. Help GCA families say yes to a Christ-centered education.
Find Your Place in the Credit
Whether you’re a parent, a donor, or a tax professional, here’s where to start.
GCA Families
Scholarship funding can help bridge the gap between what’s available and the cost of tuition.
Learn more →Donors
Turn tax dollars you’d owe the IRS into scholarships for Christian school students.
See the benefits →Tax Professionals
Answers to common questions to share with clients who are considering a gift.
Read the FAQ →Church & Community
Friends, church members, and neighbors can partner with GCA in a simple, no-cost way.
Pledge now →How It Works
Three steps from pledge to tax credit.
Pledge
Tell us you plan to give. Your pledge is free and non-binding, and helps GCA plan ahead.
Give
When the program opens, make your gift, up to $1,700, to a qualified scholarship granting organization (our SGO is ACCORD Kids) and designate GCA where program rules allow.
Claim Your Credit
Receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for your gift. Your tax professional can confirm how it applies to you.
Why Donors Choose to Support GCA
A gift that costs you nothing extra in federal tax and changes a child’s year.
Up to $1,700 Federal Credit
Eligible taxpayers may receive a credit for their full gift, up to $1,700 per year.
A Credit, Not a Deduction
A credit reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar, rather than just lowering taxable income.
Local Scholarships, Real Students
Designate GCA where permitted so your gift supports students right here in Gardendale.
Open to Taxpayers Nationwide
Friends and family outside Alabama may be able to participate too. Program rules apply.
May Carry Forward
Unused credit may be carried forward to future years. Ask your tax professional about the details.
No Cost to Pledge
Pledging is free, takes about a minute, and creates no financial obligation.
What Scholarships Can Cover
- Full or partial tuition for K4–5th grade at GCA
- Enrollment and registration fees
- Activity and technology fees
- Other required school fees, subject to scholarship organization rules (our SGO is ACCORD Kids)
Donors cannot direct a scholarship to a specific student. Scholarship organizations (our SGO is ACCORD Kids) award funds under their own eligibility rules, which are based on household income.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.Proverbs 22:6
God loveth a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7
Donor FAQs
Short answers to what people ask most. For your own situation, please consult a tax professional.
What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit?
It’s a federal tax credit, beginning in 2027, for eligible taxpayers who give to qualified scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Our SGO is ACCORD Kids. Gifts of up to $1,700 per year can reduce federal income tax owed by the same amount.
Who can give?
Taxpayers with a federal income tax liability may be eligible. Program rules, including which states have opted in, are set by federal and state authorities and may change.
Is my pledge a binding commitment?
No. A pledge is a free, non-binding statement of intent. It helps GCA plan and lets us send you next steps when contributions open.
Does my gift go directly to GCA?
No. Gifts are made to a qualified scholarship granting organization (our SGO is ACCORD Kids), not to a school. Where program rules allow, donors may designate a particular school, such as GCA.
What’s the difference between a credit and a deduction?
A deduction lowers the income your tax is calculated on. A credit reduces the tax itself, dollar for dollar, so a $1,700 gift can offset up to $1,700 of federal tax owed.
Can I choose which student receives the scholarship?
No. Donors may not earmark scholarships for an individual student. The scholarship organization (our SGO is ACCORD Kids) awards funds based on its eligibility rules.
Where can I get tax advice?
Please talk with your CPA or tax preparer. This page is general information only and is not tax or legal advice.
Pledge Your Support for GCA Today
Reserve your spot now. We’ll follow up with next steps when contributions open on January 1, 2027.
Have Questions? Get in Touch
Call the GCA office at 205-631-9465 or email ppschirer@gdalechristian.org.
Gardendale Christian Academy · Gardendale, Alabama
Please note: This page is for general information and is not tax or legal advice. Program details, state participation, and eligibility are set by federal and state authorities and may change. Please consult a qualified tax professional before making any gift. A pledge is not a donation and creates no financial obligation.