The Tidewater Jewish Foundation is thrilled to announce that the generosity of our community has allowed us to secure nearly $650,000 in scholarship donations for the 2022-2023 school year through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, an approved scholarship foundation under the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credits program. These funds have supported families seeking Jewish education in Tidewater, ensuring nearly 100 local children receive a top-notch education rooted in our rich heritage and values.

 

To the many donors who answered the call and made a difference in the lives of our community's students, your support is invaluable, and it is through your generosity that we can continue to provide these scholarship resources to qualifying students (lower and middle-income families) at our local Jewish day schools.

 

A Jewish education holds tremendous importance in shaping our children's and our community's future. It provides a strong academic foundation and instills a deep sense of identity, values, and connection to our Jewish heritage. TJF is committed to the value of Jewish education, and the foundation is committed to ensuring our schools receive the scholarship funding needed. 

 

While we are grateful for the donations received, the need for scholarships and funding for Jewish education remains for the next school year. Every contribution can significantly impact our students' lives, no matter how big or small. Scholarships are funded with specific donations to TJF and require pre-authorization by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Donations through this specific program qualify for a 65% credit against an individual's or business's Virginia income tax. In fact, a $10,000 gift can help support local Jewish education and may only have a net after-tax cost of less than 25 cents on the dollar. Potential donors are encouraged to consult their professional tax advisors.

 

There are still opportunities available for the Academic and Fiscal Year 2023–2024, through June 30, 2024. To qualify for the tax credits on your 2023 or 2024 taxes, contact Naomi Sedek, President and CEO of TJF, at nsedek@tjfva.org, to learn how you can make a difference. Your donation will not only be eligible for tax credits but will also create a lasting impact on the lives of our students attending our Jewish schools.

 

Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation to all the donors who have arranged to purchase qualified tax credits to support Jewish Education in Tidewater. Together, we can continue to provide our children with the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually and secure a bright and promising future for our community.