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Equipping schools, connecting donors, empowering parents, and improving the delivery of scholarships.

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SCHOLARSHIP GRANTING ORGANIZATION

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Subscribe to receive official communication, updates, and news from our SGO. SC families can receive scholarships once the SGO recognition process begins and Advance Carolina receives recognition to operate in South Carolina.

Image by MD Duran

What Advance Carolina Provides

  • A proven, no-cost SGO program built on integrity, excellence, and accountability

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  • An online platform allows schools 24/7 access to program data

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  • A comprehensive “toolkit” for communication with donors and families

What SGO
Scholarships Cover

  • Private school tuition & fees

  • Academic tutoring & enrichment

  • Curriculum & instructional materials

  • Technology for educational use

  • Special needs services & support

  • Transportation to and from school

Who Qualifies?

Students who are eligible to enroll in a public elementary or secondary school in South Carolina and whose household income does not exceed 300% of the area’s median gross income may qualify. Most South Carolina families will be eligible. See income eligibility levels by state →

Can I donate
to a specific student?

No. Federal law prohibits Scholarship Granting Organizations from setting aside contributions for a specific student. When you donate through Advance Carolina, your contribution goes into a scholarship fund that benefits eligible South Carolina students broadly, awarded based on eligibility criteria rather than donor preference.

Image by Scott Graham
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Kids Boarding School Bus

ROLES & REQUIREMENTS OF SGOs

  • SGOs must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits

  • Distribute at least 90% of contributions directly to scholarships

  • Maintain legal compliance

ROLE OF STATE

  • State must opt in annually

  • Must list participating SGO’s annually

ROLE OF SCHOOLS

  • Partner with qualified SGO

  • Communicate with donors – any person with a federal tax liability

  • Promote available scholarships

FEDERAL TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law on July 4, 2025 created the first-ever federal tax credit scholarship program for K-12 education. Implementation begins January 1, 2027.

How Giving Works

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Anyone Can Donate

Any U.S. citizen or resident can contribute through Advance Carolina and claim the federal tax credit — no matter what state you live in. Once federal guidance is issued and the SGO recognition process begins, Advance Carolina will seek recognition in South Carolina.

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Make A  Contribution

You donate cash to Advance Carolina, an SGO serving all schools in South Carolina. Contributions to the program open January 1, 2027.

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Claim Your Credit

After Advance Carolina is recognized, when you file your federal taxes, you receive a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 per person ($3,400 for married couples filing jointly). Unlike a deduction, a tax credit directly reduces the taxes you owe — making your real out-of-pocket cost potentially $0.

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Students Receive Scholarships

Advance Carolina distributes at least 90% of contributions as scholarships to eligible South Carolina students for tuition, fees, and other qualified K–12 education expenses at the school of their family’s choice.

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