Since this is the first year of the STO, it will be a learning process as to how best manage the program. However, this is the way that will be utilized.

1. A donor will make their gift to the STO. When the gift is received by the STO, a thank-you letter acknowledging the gift will be sent.

2. Gifts may be made in installments.

3. As the end of the calendar year approaches, tax credit certificates will be prepared. The goal will be to mail these certificates in the first week of January. There are mandatory reports which need to be filed with the Iowa Department of Revenue by January 12th of each year, which will help ensure the timely mailing of tax credit certificates.

4. Even though gifts may be made in installments, and more than one gift may be made in a given year, only one tax credit certificate will be issued per donor. For instance, if three gifts are made ($1,000, $2,000 and $5,000), one tax credit certificate for $8,000 will be issued.

5. THIS IS IMPORTANT--it is the natural tendency when dealing with tax credits to donate the money as late in the year as possible, and there is nothing wrong with that.  Given that, the STO is postponing tuition assistance gifts until the 2008-09 school year.

6. As the law is currently written, the STO concept will only be in effect through 2007. Please take the time to write your state legislators (click here to access them) and express your support for extending the tax credit beyond 2007.

7. If you believe in the power of Lutheran education, don't let the tax credit limit your generosity. Even though the goal is to raise $350,000, we can raise even more and distribute it--we're just limited in the tax credits we can grant.

8. If you have a Thrivent policy, be sure to apply for a matching gift.