Common questions, answered.
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For Applicants
Who is eligible to apply?
Your child must be an "eligible student" as defined under Section 25F, and be enrolled or accepted at a qualifying Catholic school in Northern Nevada. Visit the Programs page for our full priority order.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for a Sierra Summit scholarship is always free.
When will the first scholarships be awarded?
Sierra Summit Scholarship Fund was formed in August 2026. We expect to award our first scholarships in 2027. Join our list on the Apply page to be notified when applications open.
Which students get priority?
We give first priority to students attending Catholic classical schools in grades 6–12 in Northern Nevada, then to students at other Catholic schools in the region. Within each group, students who received a scholarship from us the year before are prioritized, followed by their siblings.
How are recipients selected?
We verify that each applicant meets the eligibility requirements defined under Section 25F, then award scholarships according to our published priority order.
For Donors
What is Section 25F?
Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code allows donors who contribute to an eligible scholarship granting organization, like Sierra Summit, to claim a federal tax credit. Visit our Section 25F page to learn more.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Contributions to Sierra Summit Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 42-4475846), may qualify for the Section 25F federal tax credit instead of a standard charitable deduction. Consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
How is my donation used?
By law, we must spend at least ninety percent of our income on scholarships for eligible students each year. See our Transparency page for more detail.
Can I direct my gift to a specific student?
No. Section 25F prohibits scholarship granting organizations from allowing donors to earmark a contribution for the benefit of any particular student.
Do you accept employer matching gifts?
Many employers match charitable donations — check with your HR department and list Sierra Summit Scholarship Fund as the recipient. Note that employer matching gifts are separate from the Section 25F tax credit.
General
Where does Sierra Summit operate?
We serve students attending Catholic schools in Northern Nevada, with priority given to Catholic classical schools in grades 6–12.
How can I get involved beyond donating?
We welcome volunteers to help with outreach and application review. Reach out through our Contact page to learn more.