SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Benedictine Military School Cadets benefit from Georgia GOAL and the new American GOAL

During the past 18 years, more than 35,000 students – including Benedictine Military School Cadets – have benefitted from Georgia GOAL scholarships. Beginning in 2027, Benedictine also will participate in American GOAL, a new federal tax credit opportunity operated by GOAL Scholarship Program, Inc.

Georgia GOAL, the state tax credit scholarship program that has been described as the nation’s best education expense credit law, continues to expand statewide. This continued support of the Georgia GOAL Scholarship program, including by many Benedictine families, faculty, and staff, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and communities throughout Georgia.

Through American GOAL, individuals can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for contributions that fund tuition assistance for eligible students at participating schools like Benedictine Military School. Simply put, you can direct a portion of what you already owe in federal income taxes to support Cadets and their families. Instead of your full tax payment going to the federal government, you can choose to invest in Benedictine Military School Cadets. This powerful program gives you a voice in how your federal tax dollars are spent and keeps them local.

This year again demonstrated extraordinary demand for Georgia GOAL tax credits. On the first business day of 2026, GOAL submitted more than $145 million in applications, which was its highest single-day total and 60 percent of the statewide total. Applications were prorated to approximately 48.7 percent, nearly 5 percent lower than the previous year and reflected sustained demand that continues to exceed the available cap.

GOAL partners with 234 of the best private K-12 schools throughout Georgia. These participating schools, including Benedictine Military School, serve a diverse cross-section of families and communities. In 2026, more than 14,400 individuals and businesses contributed to GOAL, generating more than $68 million in total GOAL revenue, including more than $66 million via tax credit contributions.

On the final day of the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session, HB 328 passed, increasing the GOAL cap by $30 million to $150 million annually, with no sunset clause, preserving the long-term protection of this program. The bill was signed into law May 11, 2026.

“We strengthened the program through advocacy efforts including legislative meetings, a GOAL Day at the Capitol with over 100 students and school leaders, and nearly 41,000 messages sent to lawmakers by the GOAL community,” said GOAL Scholarship Program President and CEO Ben Saylor, who addressed school leaders from throughout the state, including members of Benedictine Military School’s Advancement team, at the 2026 GOAL Middle Georgia Regional Meeting on Sept. 24 at the Macon Marriott City Center. “These efforts helped secure the second-largest expansion in GOAL’s history with an additional $30 million per year in tax credits. This will provide an estimated 6,000 more scholarships annually and was achieved without a sunset provision being added to our program.”

Looking ahead, the GOAL Scholarship Program is encouraged by new opportunities.

“The introduction of a federal scholarship tax credit and the launch of American GOAL in 2027 will provide an additional, much-needed source of scholarship funding in Georgia: empowering taxpayers to support the schools of their choice and helping more families find the right educational fit,” Saylor said. “Building on GOAL’s proven success, we are eager to expand our impact for students across the state.”

Your participation in the Georgia GOAL Scholarship program provides deserving students with the opportunity to thrive in exceptional schools, while earning you a 100-percent Georgia state income tax credit. Taking control of your Georgia tax dollars and helping to expand access to life-changing educational opportunities through the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program is a meaningful way to invest in students, families, and the future of our state.

Complete and submit the 2027 GOAL Tax Credit application at goalscholarship.org before Dec. 31, 2026. In Jan. 2027, GOAL will submit your application to the Georgia Department of Revenue and notify you of your approved tax credit amount and the payment deadline. In mid-March 2027, you can pay GOAL by credit card, ACH transfer, or check within 60 days of your DOR approval notification. You will receive the credit when you file your 2027 tax return in 2028. GOAL will send you a tax receipt in May 2027 for claiming the credit on your return.

Beginning in 2027, Benedictine Military School will participate in American GOAL, a new federal tax credit opportunity operated by GOAL Scholarship Program, Inc.

Through American GOAL, individuals can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for contributions that fund tuition assistance for eligible students at participating schools like Benedictine Military School. Simply put, you can direct a portion of what you already owe in federal income taxes to support Cadets and their families.

Key American GOAL highlights: individual taxpayers receive a 100-percent federal income tax credit for contributions to American GOAL, designating Benedictine Military School; there is a limit of $1,700 that can be contributed for a tax credit per taxpayer per year; the tax credit is available to individual taxpayers in all 50 states; there is no national aggregate cap on total contributions; and taxpayers can participate in both Georgia GOAL and American GOAL by making a separate contribution for each.

To participate in American GOAL, complete the 2027 American GOAL Pledge Form at goalscholarship.org between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2027. Contribute to American GOAL by check, ACH transfer, or credit card by Dec. 31, 2027. American GOAL will provide a tax receipt for claiming the credit when filing your 2027 federal tax return in 2028.