מָןManna Scholarship Fund Give
Launching January 1, 2027. Governor Hochul has said New York will join the federal program, but the state's formal opt-in and the Fund's listing are still pending. Pledges made now are commitments only. No money will be drawn until both are confirmed, and we'll email you first.

Give $1,700 to Jewish education. Get $1,700 back.

A new federal law gives you a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, up to $1,700 per person each year, for gifts to scholarship funds. Give yours to Manna all at once or monthly, and help students attend Beit Rabban Day School and other schools, at no cost to you.

Choose how to give See how it works
What it costs you
Your gift to Manna
Federal tax credit
Your cost$0

Give it the way that suits you

  • All at once on January 15, 2027
  • All at once on December 15, 2027
  • Monthly, a month
Get the credit back in your paychecks during the year, or when you file your taxes. For taxpayers who owe at least the amount of the credit in federal income tax.

Four steps to fund a scholarship

The federal Scholarship Tax Credit (Section 25F of the tax code) starts in 2027. Your gift reduces your federal income tax by the same amount, so the money you'd have paid in tax goes to a student's education instead.

  1. Choose when to give

    All at once on January 15, all at once on December 15, or $141.67 a month. Every option earns the same credit.

  2. Choose how to pay

    Pay from your bank account or with a credit or debit card.

  3. Get it back sooner, if you like

    You can lower your tax withholding so the credit comes back in your paychecks during 2027 instead of at tax time.

  4. Claim the credit

    In January 2028 we send your receipt. You claim the credit on your 2027 federal return.

Is this right for you?

It works best if you

  • Owe at least $1,700 in federal income tax each year ($3,400 for a couple giving together). The credit can lower your tax to zero, but it isn't paid out as a refund beyond that.
  • Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. tax resident who files a Form 1040, anywhere in the country. You don't need to live in New York.
  • Want to support Jewish education without spending more than you already do.

Good to know

  • Nonresidents who file Form 1040-NR aren't eligible for the credit.
  • Because you receive a credit, you can't also take a charitable deduction for the same gift.
  • If you get a state tax credit for the same gift, your federal credit is reduced by that amount.
  • The IRS is still finalizing rules. Please check with your tax preparer before you update your W-4. This site isn't tax advice.

Choose how to give

Every option earns the same $1,700 credit per person. The only difference is when your gift leaves your account.

  1. How you'll give
  2. About you
  3. Sign
  4. Payment
Who is giving?
Which school should your gift support?
When do you want to give?
How do you want to pay?

Getting the credit back in your paychecks

You don't have to wait until tax time. If you have a job with tax withholding, you can ask your employer to withhold a little less federal tax during 2027, so the credit comes back to you in each paycheck.

How it works

  • Fill out a new Form W-4 for your employer, or update it in your payroll portal (ADP, Workday, Gusto and similar).
  • Copy everything from your current W-4, then add $1,700 to the amount in Step 3 ("Claim dependent and other credits"). A new W-4 replaces the old one completely, so leaving anything out can change your withholding.
  • That lowers your federal withholding by about $141.67 a month. Giving monthly at the same time keeps your take-home pay about the same.
  • Couples who both work usually each add $1,700 on their own W-4. If only one of you works, that W-4 can carry $3,400.

Before you change it

  • Submit it in December 2026 so it takes effect with your first 2027 paycheck.
  • Only lower your withholding if you're confident you'll give the full amount in 2027. If you stop your pledge, update your W-4 again so you don't owe tax in April.
  • Retirees and self-employed donors can lower their estimated tax payments instead.
  • This is optional, and isn't tax advice. Please check with your tax preparer first. Get the official form at irs.gov/w4.

Invite your friends to join you

Anyone in the country who pays federal income tax can take part: grandparents, colleagues, friends from shul or camp. A personal note from you goes further than anything we could send.

When friends use your link, the pledge form fills in your name so we can thank you.

  • Start with people who already ask about your kids' school.
  • Grandparents and retirees often owe tax on pensions and investments, so they can take part too.
  • Pledge first, so you can say "I just did this."

Questions

Does this really cost me nothing?
For most people who owe at least $1,700 in federal income tax, yes. Each dollar you give, up to $1,700 per person each year, comes off your federal tax bill. The credit isn't refundable, so if you owe less than $1,700, you only benefit up to what you owe. You also can't deduct the same gift as a charitable donation.
Can my spouse and I both give?
Yes. The credit is up to $1,700 per taxpayer, so a married couple can pledge $3,400 together. Your pledge form lists both names, and you'll each receive a receipt. Check with your tax preparer about how your receipt should read if you file separately.
What if New York doesn't formally opt in?
Scholarships from Manna can only go to students in a state that has opted in, and the Fund must be on the state's approved list. If that doesn't happen by January 2027, we won't draw any money. We'll email you with your options, and you can cancel with one reply.
Which way of giving should I choose?
They all earn the same credit. Giving on January 15 funds scholarships soonest. Giving on December 15 keeps the money with you until year-end. Monthly giving is easiest on your budget, and if you also lower your withholding, your take-home pay stays about the same all year.
Can I give now, in 2026?
You can pledge now, but the credit only applies to gifts made on or after January 1, 2027. That's why the earliest payment date is January 2027.
Do I have to change my W-4?
No, it's optional with every way of giving. Updating your W-4 gets the credit back in your paychecks during 2027 (see "Getting the credit back in your paychecks" above). If you skip it, you get the money back as a larger refund or smaller balance due when you file in spring 2028. Retirees and self-employed donors can lower their estimated tax payments instead.
Can I choose which student gets my gift?
No. The law doesn't allow donors to direct gifts to a particular student. You can ask that your gift support a particular school, such as Beit Rabban, and Manna will honor that where the law allows. Scholarships go to K–12 students from families with household income up to 300% of the local area median.
How do I stop or change my pledge?
Email us or use the link in any receipt. Changes received at least three business days before a scheduled payment take effect for that payment. If you stop, remember to update your W-4 so your withholding goes back up.
Is my bank information safe?
Your bank details go directly to Stripe, a regulated payment processor that encrypts and stores them. Manna's records include your name, contact details and pledge, but never your account number.
What will I get for my taxes?
By January 31 each year, we'll send a receipt showing your total gifts for the year. It will include everything the IRS requires to claim the credit. We'll update our receipts when the IRS publishes its final rules and forms.