Your Tax Dollars. Their Jewish Future.

November 6, 2026

For a family dreaming of giving their child a Jewish education, the decision can come down to one difficult question: Can we afford it? 

Whether it’s a preschooler experiencing their first Shabbat celebration in the classroom or a day school student learning Hebrew and exploring Jewish history, these experiences help build a foundation for lifelong Jewish connection. 

But even when families are willing to make financial sacrifices, tuition can put that experience beyond their reach.

A scholarship can change everything. 

Through Georgia’s Jewish Education Tax Credit, community members can help provide scholarships for children in Jewish day schools and Pre-K programs at Jewish preschools, without spending an additional dollar beyond the state income taxes they already owe. 

“If there’s ever been a win-win program out there in the universe, this is the one,” said Ben Saylor of Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program. 

Instead of paying a portion of their Georgia income taxes directly to the state, taxpayers can redirect those dollars to scholarships through one of two organizations: Georgia GOAL and Apogee. Eligible participants receive a dollar-for-dollar Georgia income tax credit, subject to program limits.  

The average Georgia GOAL scholarship is approximately $5,000. It rarely covers full tuition, but it can make the difference between a Jewish education being out of reach and becoming a reality.

“This is just bridging the gap for families who are willing to make a sacrifice to send their kids to that school,” Ben said. 

Expanding access to Jewish education is a core priority for Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, made possible through the generosity of Federation donors. Through investments in Jewish learning, partnerships with schools and community-wide initiatives, Federation works to ensure more children have opportunities to develop strong Jewish identities and connections. 

The Jewish Education Tax Credit complements that work by giving taxpayers an additional way to support Jewish education. 

Federation previously administered the program through the Alef Fund. Today, Jewish schools partner with two scholarship organizations, Georgia GOAL and Apogee. Federation continues to champion the program and help connect community members with opportunities to support participating schools across Jewish Atlanta. 

In 2026, participating Georgia Jewish day schools and preschools received over $5.5 million from over 1,700 contributions to the program 

And in 2027, that opportunity is growing. 

Georgia is increasing the statewide tax credit cap from $120 million to $150 million, creating the potential for more scholarships. Expanded eligibility will also help more students, including children with special needs and those from military families. 

But the program is so popular that the annual cap is frequently reached on the first day of the year. 

To participate in the 2027 Georgia tax credit program, taxpayers should apply by December 31, 2026. 

Taxpayers can designate their tax credits to a specific participating school, divide their support among multiple schools, or select the Jewish Education Tax Credit Fund, which allocates scholarship dollars to participating schools based on need. 

For taxpayers, it’s a chance to decide where some of their tax dollars go. For Jewish schools and preschools, it’s additional scholarship support. 

And for a child, it could mean a Jewish education that helps shape who they become.

Visit GOALScholarship.org to apply through Georgia GOAL, apogee123.org to apply through Apogee, or contact your participating Jewish school. 

For more information, contact Shelley Fogelson, Federation’s Vice President of Jewish Education at sfogelson@jewishatlanta.org.