LOGIN

Supporting Educational Opportunities In Utah

How to Easily Donate to the Children First Education Fund

The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for children with disabilities, enabling them to attend private schools or pursue homeschooling that best suits their educational needs. By donating to CFEF, you not only contribute to a child’s education but also receive a 100% Utah State income tax credit for your contribution. This article outlines the simple steps to make a donation via check, credit card, or ACH payment, ensuring your support reaches those who need it most.

Why Donate to the Children First Education Fund?

CFEF’s mission is to offer educational choices to students with disabilities, empowering them to thrive in environments tailored to their unique learning requirements. Your donation directly funds scholarships that cover tuition, books, supplies, and educational therapies or treatments. Moreover, as a donor, you benefit from a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your Utah State tax liability, making your contribution financially advantageous. (cfe-fund.org)

Donation Methods

CFEF offers multiple convenient methods for making donations:

  1. Check
  2. Credit Card
  3. ACH Transfer

1. Donating by Check

Donating by check is straightforward and ensures that your entire contribution goes directly to supporting educational scholarships. Here’s how you can proceed:

  • Prepare Your Check: Make your check payable to “Children First Education Fund.”
  • Mailing Address: Send your check to:

Children First Education Fund

Attn: Gift Processing

5414 W. Daybreak Pkwy., C-4 PMB 433

South Jordan, UT 84009

  • Important Considerations: Ensure your check is postmarked by December 31 to qualify for the tax credit in the current fiscal year. (cfe-fund.org). Also, please include with your check your Social Security Number or business EIN. In order to claim the tax credit, CFEF must report your donation to the Utah State Tax Commission with your SSN or EIN.

2. Donating by Credit Card

For those who prefer the convenience of online transactions, donating by credit card is a quick and secure option:

  • Online Donation Portal: Visit the CFEF donation page at https://donor.cfe-fund.org/donate/.
  • Donation Form: Complete the online form with your personal and payment information.
  • Processing Fees: Be aware that credit card donations may incur processing fees. These fees are included in both your donation amount and the tax credit you receive. (cfe-fund.org)

3. Donating by ACH Transfer

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers allow for direct bank-to-bank donations, often with lower fees than credit card transactions:

  • Initiate the Transfer: Access the CFEF donation page at https://donor.cfe-fund.org/donate/ and select the ACH transfer option.
  • Processing Fees: ACH transfers may have associated fees, which are included in both your donation amount and the tax credit. (cfe-fund.org)

Tax Benefits of Donating

One of the significant advantages of donating to CFEF is the eligibility for a 100% Utah State income tax credit:

  • Full Credit: Your donation amount directly reduces your state tax liability dollar-for-dollar.
  • Limitations: While there are no limits on donation amounts for individuals or corporate donors, state law caps the total tax credits CFEF can issue annually (currently $5.94 million). Tax credits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum allowable limit is reached. (cfe-fund.org)
  • Tax Filing: CFEF will provide you with a Tax Credit Certificate verifying your donation. Retain this certificate for your records when filing your Utah State income tax return. (cfe-fund.org)

Additional Donation Options

Beyond the standard methods, CFEF also accepts donations in the form of appreciated stocks:

  • Appreciated Stocks: Donating highly appreciated stock allows you to avoid capital gains tax on the stock’s appreciation. For instructions on transferring stocks, contact Executive Director Ronnie Daniel at [email protected]. (cfe-fund.org)

Impact of Your Donation

Your contribution to CFEF has a profound impact:

  • Empowering Students: Scholarships provide students with disabilities the opportunity to attend schools that cater to their specific needs, fostering better educational outcomes.
  • Supporting Families: Parents gain the ability to choose educational settings that align with their child’s learning style and requirements.
  • Strengthening Communities: By supporting diverse educational environments, communities benefit from inclusive growth and development.

Conclusion

Donating to the Children First Education Fund is a seamless process with multiple avenues to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to contribute by check, credit card, or ACH transfer, your support plays a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities for children with disabilities in Utah. Moreover, the 100% Utah State income tax credit ensures that your generosity is rewarded, making it a mutually beneficial endeavor. Take the step today to make a lasting difference in a child’s education and future.

Recent Articles: