As a CFO, you’re charged with optimizing every dollar that flows through your organization. What if you could turn a portion of your Utah state income tax obligation into a powerful social investment—without increasing expenses?
The Children First Education Fund (CFEF) offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that.
CFEF is Utah’s designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) under Utah Code §53E-7-4, providing scholarships to children with disabilities so they can access private or homeschool education tailored to their needs. When your company donates to CFEF, you receive a 100% Utah State income tax credit—a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your state tax bill.
The Finance Case: Tax Efficiency at Its Best
Most charitable giving requires weighing social impact against financial cost. Not so with a donation to CFEF.
- No net cost:Your company redirects tax dollars it would already owe to the state.
- Full credit:Unlike deductions, this credit reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar.
- No giving cap:While the state limits the total credits available each year ($13.48M for 2026), your company can donate any amount and claim credits until the cap is reached.
- No conflict with other charitable contributions: CFEF donations don’t affect your company’s federal charitable deduction limit or giving strategy.
In short, this is not an added expense—it’s a financial optimization.
The Strategic Case: Values in Action
Today’s businesses are measured not only by their balance sheets, but by their values. Social impact matters—to customers, shareholders, and employees.
A donation to CFEF: – Supports education equity for children with disabilities – Strengthens your brand’s community reputation – Contributes to long-term workforce development by supporting families with unique educational needs
And because 92% of funds are mandated by law to go directly to scholarships, your support yields visible and immediate results.
The Operational Case: Easy and Documented
CFEF makes the donation process straightforward: 1. Donate by check, ACH, credit card, or appreciated stock 2. Receive your official Tax Credit Certificate from CFEF 3. File the certificate with your Utah State return
Funds can even be directed to a specific school or region, providing alignment with company locations or employee interests.
The Timing: Act Before the Cap Fills
Utah’s total annual cap on credits means timing matters. Credits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Early-year contributions ensure your company secures its full benefit.
If you’re approaching year-end tax planning or mid-year reviews, this strategy should be on your radar.
In Summary
As a CFO, you are in a unique position to make decisions that are fiscally responsible and socially impactful. A tax credit donation to CFEF offers:
- Full financial recovery through state income tax credit
- Measurable social return by funding education for students with disabilities
- Public goodwill with zero net cost
Visit www.cfe-fund.org/donate or email info@cfe-fund.org to learn more or begin the simple donation process.
Make your tax dollars count for more. Invest in students. Invest in Utah.