December 2017
Updated January 9, 2019
The House and Senate passed a comprehensive education funding bill August (2017) that was signed into law by the governor. The law includes a provision for tax credit scholarships – a 75 Percent income tax credit to individuals and businesses – supporting non-public school scholarships for low-income students in the state. Illinois students from low-income families may use these new scholarships to attend a non-public school of their choice.
The Invest for Kids tax credit scholarship program was created in Illinois to benefit children whose educational options are limited by household income. For low-income families living in the LCMS Northern Illinois district, this means that more children will have the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus Christ every school day while attending our Lutheran schools.
For our LCMS schools, this means that we have the greatest opportunity in our time to plan and act in alignment with God’s calling – to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our communities. The role of the school is that which extends the mission of the church in reaching through Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ to more children in our neighborhoods!
The Invest In Kids tax credit scholarship program allows our schools extend the opportunity to go beyond traditional boundaries, bringing hope to those families and children who could only dream of attending our Lutheran schools.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District’s emphasis is one of expanding and strengthening the caring presence and Gospel ministry of Lutheran congregations and schools in their communities. Through this scholarship program, we have a great opportunity to expand and share the Gospel to our neighbors.
Empower Illinois
The LCMS Northern Illinois District, as well as the Central and Southern Districts, have partnered with Empower Illinois, a statewide Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) created in 2017 to serve Illinois children through the state’s tax credit scholarship program. Empower Illinois connects Tax Credit Scholarship Donations to Illinois students whose education opportunities may be limited by household income.
Donating
Individuals and corporate donors may receive a credit for their Illinois state taxes equal to 75 percent of donations to an SGO. Individuals may direct their donations to qualified schools. A list of qualifying schools is available on the Empower Illinois website.
By donating to Empower Illinois, you can help a child. Visit www.empowerillinois.org for complete information on the program, registration as a donor, qualifying schools, and scholarship eligibility.
Student Applications
Empower Illinois is scheduled to begin accepting student scholarship applications January 24, 2018. Funds will be distributed to schools and organizations statewide for the 2018-2019 school year. Find more information at empowerillinois.org/students.
NID Congregations
A resource page to assist LCMS Northern Illinois District congregations is now available at nidlcms.org/state-tax-credit-program. Congregations are encouraged to visit the webpage for all of the latest resources.