Sheperd of the Desert Education Foundation

Who Do We Help?

Your tax credit gift to the Foundation creates opportunities for children to receive a Christian education when the family does not have sufficient funds to pay all of their tuition. Many of the families who apply for financial assistance are dealing with serious, life-changing situations — divorce, single parenting, loss of jobs, devastating illness, and some even are losing their homes. They are a diverse group with a singular goal — they love the Lord and believe that a Christian education is the most important thing they can give their children. The following are excerpts of letters from families who received recent tuition assistance grants:

"Our son was in public school kindergarten. The classes were so overcrowded that he fell behind. Since attending SOTD Lutheran School, his grades are good, his reading and math skills have exceeded the ITBS scores and he absolutely loves school. We are extremely grateful to SOTD Education Foundation for giving our son the scholarship help he needed to stay at SOTD."

—Parents of a transfer student to SOTD

"In spite of a difficult financial situation, we want our children to continue getting the spiritual, caring, quality education they are receiving at SOTD. The teachers are superior — they motivate children to use their gifts and strengths and to always do their personal best."

—Parents of two SOTD school children

"My son has attended SOTD for two years and is constantly excited about everything he is learning. SOTD offers small class sizes and an amazing Christian program. If it were not for the funding from SOTDEF, our son would not have the opportunity to go to a Christian school."

—Parents of a SOTD school student

"Our family thanks you for the wonderful tuition award for our son which allowed him to attend Valley Lutheran High School. It is so comforting to know that fellow Christians care so much! May God's special blessing shine on your work!"

—Father of VLHS student

As you can see, your tax credit gifts are truly making a difference in the lives of many families. Since 2000 we have been utilizing re-directed state tax dollars to provide need-based tuition grants to children who attend K-12 Christian schools. This year, tuition grants to 68 students at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran School and Valley Lutheran High School were provided by 213 donors who contributed almost $160,000 in tax credit donations last year.

Unfortunately, not all stories had a happy ending. Several families found it necessary to withdraw their children from our Lutheran schools because the tuition grants were not enough. The huge increase in applicants was not matched by a similar increase in donations. Please keep SOTDEF in your prayers and remember... your gift to SOTDEF costs you nothing after you take the tax credit on your state income tax.