Legacy Deo is excited to announce the launch of a new Scholarship Granting Organization initiative designed to expand access to Christian education while strengthening the long-term sustainability of schools and families across Texas.
The new initiative is connected to the upcoming Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. Beginning in 2027, individual taxpayers will be able to earn a federal tax credit by donating towards scholarships for Christian education.
“This is an exciting moment for Christian education in Texas,” said Kassi Benaglio, SGO Coordinator at Legacy Deo. “The Scholarship Tax Credit program gives families, grandparents, and supporters a meaningful way to direct tax dollars they already owe toward scholarships that help students grow in faith, learning, and service. Our goal is to help schools steward this opportunity with clarity, integrity, and care.”
A Partnership to Strengthen Christian Education
This new SGO effort is being developed in close partnership with Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry for the Texas District, and the Texas District of the LCMS.
Together, Legacy Deo and district leadership are working to ensure schools are equipped with clear guidance, strong governance, and faithful stewardship as they prepare for this opportunity. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Christian education in a way that honors mission, families, and congregations.
A New Form of Faithful Stewardship
At its core, participation in the the Scholarship Tax Credit program is about stewardship. Rather than serving as an additional fundraising effort, it provides a new way for families, grandparents, and supporters to redirect tax dollars they already owe toward scholarships that support Christian education.
These scholarship resources help ensure that students can continue to grow in faith, learning and service to others. For donors and ministry partners, this initiative represents a meaningful opportunity to align financial stewardship with support for Christ-centered education.
Preparing with Care and Intention
Legacy Deo has been preparing intentionally for this opportunity since early 2026, collaborating with school leaders and learning from the experience of longstanding scholarship programs across the country.
We are deeply encouraged by the early response from schools throughout Texas and grateful for a group of early engaged partners affectionately referred to as “The First 20.” These schools helped lead the way, establishing strong momentum and shaping an SGO model grounded in best practices, faithful stewardship, and shared Christian mission.
Expanding Access for Families
Christian schools across Texas already provide financial assistance to families who desire a Christ-centered education but need support to make it possible. In many cases, the need for assistance exceeds available scholarship funds. Legacy Deo leaders say the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program could help schools raise additional scholarship funds and expand access for additional families.
For families, this can mean continued access to an education shaped by faith, academic growth, and a supportive Christian community.
Honoring Teachers and Staff
This initiative also creates an important opportunity to honor teachers and staff, many of whom receive tuition assistance as part of their vocational calling to Christian education. By strengthening scholarship resources, schools are better positioned to support the educators who serve as daily models of Christ for students and families.
These teachers and staff members play an essential role in the life of Christian education, helping students grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith and service.
Stewarding Resources with Integrity and Care
Legacy Deo has more than 60 years of experience serving churches, schools, camps and ministries. This is intentional work that brings together financial expertise, compliance infrastructure and a relational approach needed to steward these resources with integrity and care.
As federal guidance continues to be finalized, Legacy Deo will provide ongoing communication, resources and support to schools, churches, donors, ministry partners and families. Qualified gifts may begin on Jan. 1, 2027, with tax credits applied to 2027 federal tax returns.
Strengthening the Future of Christian Education
This initiative represents a unique opportunity to align faith, stewardship and education.
We invite you to pray for this work and consider how God may be leading you to participate.
“At Legacy Deo we believe this work is ultimately about stewardship and mission,” Benaglio said. “By God’s grace and through strong partnerships, we believe this initiative can help sustain and strengthen Christian education across Texas.”
Together, in partnership and by God’s grace, we can help more students experience the lasting value of Christ-centered education.