90%+
Goes to scholarships.
Federal law requires SGOs to direct at least 90% of contributions to student scholarships. JEFA is built to operate within that standard, with audit-ready records behind every dollar.
For Donors
Give $1,700. Net cost: zero.
The Education Freedom Tax Credit is a dollar-for-dollar federal credit — not a deduction. Every dollar you give to JEFA comes straight off your tax bill, and goes straight into a Jewish child’s education.
See it for yourself
The math of a redirected tax dollar.
If you give
$1,700
$100$1,700 max
$1,700
Funds Jewish education
−$1,700
Off your federal taxes
$0
Your net cost
Maximum credit of $1,700 per taxpayer per year under IRC §25F. Nonrefundable; unused credit carries forward up to five years. Consult your tax advisor about your situation.
Why this is different
You’ve given to tzedakah before. Never like this.
A charitable deduction gives back pennies on the dollar. This credit gives back the whole dollar.
A typical $1,700 deduction
Saves you maybe
~$400
A deduction only reduces your taxable income, so the benefit depends on your bracket — and you only get it if you itemize.
The $1,700 JEFA credit
Saves you exactly
$1,700
A credit reduces your tax bill itself, dollar for dollar. Owe $5,000? Give $1,700 through JEFA and you owe $3,300.
How to give
Four steps, starting today.
Now
Pre-register your pledge
Tell us you’re in. Pre-registering costs nothing and ensures your contribution is ready the moment the program opens.
Jan 1, 2027
Make your contribution
Donations open. Give any amount up to $1,700 to JEFA — online, in minutes.
Immediately
Receive your receipt
JEFA issues a federally compliant contribution receipt documenting everything you need to claim the credit.
Tax season
Claim your credit
Claim the dollar-for-dollar credit on your federal return. Can’t use it all? It carries forward up to five years.
Why give through JEFA
Your dollars, stewarded.
100%
Dedicated to Jewish education.
JEFA exists for one purpose: funding Torah education at Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Your redirected taxes support Jewish children — not a general fund.
501(c)(3)
Registered and compliant.
JEFA is a registered Scholarship Granting Organization. Receipting, eligibility verification, and every federal requirement are handled by us — your part takes minutes.
Donor questions
Before you give.
Is this really a dollar-for-dollar credit?
Yes. The Education Freedom Tax Credit, signed into law July 4, 2025, is a 100% nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer per year for contributions to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations like JEFA.
What if the credit is more than I owe?
The credit is nonrefundable, so it can reduce your tax bill to zero but not below. Any unused portion carries forward for up to five years — so the full value of your gift is preserved.
Do I need to live in a state that opted in?
No. Any U.S. taxpayer can contribute to a qualified SGO in a participating state and claim the federal credit, regardless of where you live. State participation affects where scholarships can be awarded, not who can donate.
Can I also take a charitable deduction for the same gift?
No — you claim the credit instead of a deduction for the amount of the contribution, and the credit is worth far more. Your tax advisor can confirm the right treatment for your return.
Can I choose which child receives my scholarship?
Federal law prohibits earmarking contributions for a particular student, and JEFA enforces this strictly. Your gift joins the scholarship pool that funds eligible children at Jewish day schools and yeshivas.
Why pre-register now if donations open in 2027?
Pre-registering costs nothing and takes a minute. It lets JEFA plan scholarship capacity, keeps you informed as guidance is finalized, and ensures you can complete your gift the moment the window opens — so no part of your 2027 credit goes unused.
Be counted
Redirect your taxes. Change a child’s life.
Pre-register your 2027 pledge today. It costs nothing now — and it will cost nothing then.