Alaska has taken an important step toward turning the new Education Freedom Tax Credit into real opportunities for families. Alaska launched a fully open, rolling application pipeline for K-12 Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that the state is now accepting applications from nonprofits seeking SGO approval under the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit.
By the numbers:
- Up to $1,700 per year in federal tax credit for individual donations to approved SGOs
- 95% of Alaska’s K-12 students are estimated to be eligible for some portion of scholarship funds
- 10 students, 2+ schools: the federal minimum an SGO must serve
- Sept. 30, 2026: target date for the state’s first group of approved SGOs
How it works:
Nonprofits submit a letter of interest and their 501(c)(3) determination letter to SGO@alaska.gov. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—no fixed window, no cap on participants.
What they’re saying:
“I’m happy to see this opportunity opening up for Alaska families. Parents know their children best, and giving them more resources to support learning can make a real difference. Our job now is to make sure families learn about this program quickly and understand how they may be able to benefit.”
—Deena Bishop, Ed.D., Commissioner, State of Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
“Alaska is setting the standard for how states should stand up this program. By opening a clear, accessible pathway for nonprofits to become Scholarship Granting Organizations, Gov. Dunleavy is making sure Alaska families can start benefiting from the Education Freedom Tax Credit as soon as possible.”
—Heidie Nesset, vice president of implementation, yes. every kid. foundation.
The big picture:
The program doesn’t discriminate by educational model. Funds can support students in public schools, charter schools, homeschools, or private and religious schools. SGOs must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and devote at least 90% of their income to scholarships.
What’s next:
Once approved, SGOs can begin building partnerships with Alaska schools and education providers and preparing to raise qualifying contributions ahead of the program’s Jan. 1, 2027, start date.
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