about
Alliance SGO is a grass roots organization founded by educators. It’s purpose is to support Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code which establishes the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC). FSTC/EFTC allows individual U.S. taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per year for donations made to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) in participating, states. Alliance SGO is a turn key vehicle in which schools, tax payers, and families can partner with to access the FSTC/EFTC. Alliance SGO is an independent 501(c)(3) recognized non-profit.
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An SGO, or Scholarship Granting Organization, is a nonprofit that collects donations and awards scholarships to eligible K–12 students. SGOs verify family eligibility, prioritize students according to federal rules, distribute scholarship funds, and report on how donations are used. They serve as the connection point between donors, families, and schools.
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Individual donors can contribute any amount to a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization. However, only up to $1,700 per year qualifies for a 100 percent federal income tax credit. As of Oct. 1, 2026, married couples filing jointly qualify for a $3,400 tax credit per year. This tax credit ensures that eligible contributions incur no cost to the donor. -
Families with K–12 students in opt-in states can apply for scholarships if they meet the income guidelines set by the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Eligibility is based on household income, and whether the student is eligible to attend a K-12 school. Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) verify all documentation and guide families through the process.
how it works
1. make a donation
Starting on January 1, 2027, you may choose to give a charitable donation to a qualifying SGO like Alliance SGO.
2. Scholarship is Issued
Alliance SGO will award the scholarship to a qualifying student.
3. Receive up to a $1,700 Tax Credit
When you file, you can claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 on your Federal Taxes!
Our Team
Dr. Joshua Stafford
Founder
Dr. Joshua W. Stafford is an educational leader who serves as Superintendent in Vienna, Illinois; he joyfully ensures that educational experiences are transformative, visionary, and empowering for all stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Murray State University, and his M.A. from McKendree University, followed by a Specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University. At McKendree University, he completed his doctoral degree. He is a founder of the Southern Illinois Future Teachers' Coalition, and his contributions to education were recognized with his selection as a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools. Dr. Stafford founded Alliance SGO with fellow educators to amplify educational opportunities and choices for K-12 students in the Johnson County community and beyond.
phillip hosfeldt
Founder
Phillip Hosfeldt is a persistently dynamic member of his hometown – Vienna, IL. – as well as his larger community of Johnson County. Phillip Hosfeldt has built his career around a simple conviction: sustainable growth in any community starts with the people already in it. What began as an effort to increase capacity for early childhood programs in his hometown, has led to writing, implementing and evaluating programs at a systems scale, changing the lives of students and families in Southern Illinois and beyond. Mr. Hosfeldt holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration and Leadership from McKendree University, and holds a Specialist in Education in Superintendent Licensure from McKendree University. He also serves as the Johnson County Early Childhood Coordinator, as a lifelong resident of Johnson County with his wife, Laura, and their two sons.