Questions, answered.

Tennessee students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are eligible to attend public school, whose household income is no more than 300% of their area's median income, and who are accepted at or enrolled in a TENNISSA member school.

Award amounts depend on the donations we receive, the number of eligible applicants and your tuition. Scholarships can cover up to full tuition.

We expect applications for the 2027–28 school year to open in spring 2027. Join our interest list to be notified.

Students who received a TENNISSA scholarship the previous year come first, followed by their siblings. Other eligible applicants are considered after that.

Federal law excludes these scholarships from the student's gross income. Ask your tax professional about your own situation.

No. Scholarships are paid directly to your child's school and applied to the tuition account.

Under Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code, individuals who give cash to a certified scholarship granting organization can reduce their federal income tax dollar for dollar, up to $1,700 per person each year, starting with gifts made on or after January 1, 2027.

Yes. On a joint return each spouse can claim up to $1,700 based on their own gift, for a combined $3,400.

The credit can't exceed your federal income tax for the year, but the unused amount carries forward for up to five years.

No. The law doesn't allow gifts to be set aside for a specific student. Your gift funds scholarships for eligible students at member schools.

Once TENNISSA is certified by the Tennessee Department of Education and our donation page opens — we're targeting January 1, 2027. Gifts must be made by December 31 to count for that tax year.

By January 31 after the year of your gift, you'll receive a written acknowledgement that includes your unique donor number. You'll report it on IRS Form 8525 with your tax return.

Yes. The credit is federal, so donors in any state can give to TENNISSA. Scholarships go to Tennessee students.

No. There is no fee to join TENNISSA.

Register, sign a memorandum of understanding, confirm scholarship students' enrollment each term, and apply payments to their tuition accounts.

TENNISSA pays your school directly for awarded students once enrollment is confirmed. You'll be able to track payments through our school portal.

Yes. TENNISSA scholarships can work alongside your school's own aid. We'll coordinate details in the memorandum of understanding.

No. Section 25F has no income phase-out for donors; it is limited only by the taxpayer's federal income tax liability.

A state credit claimed for the same gift reduces the federal credit. Tennessee has no state income tax, so Tennessee donors have no offset. Donors in other states should check their state's rules.

No. Only individuals who give directly can claim the credit. Business gifts may still be deductible under the usual charitable rules.

Treasury and the IRS published temporary and proposed regulations in October 2026. Taxpayers, SGOs and states may rely on the proposed rules for 2027 gifts if they follow them consistently.