Nonprofits seek guarantee for scholarship donors

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Leaders of nonprofits whose purpose is handing out scholarships to special-needs students say they’re holding back until the S.C. Department of Revenue can guarantee their donors will get the tax credit they expect.

A bill creating a credit-securing process is heading to the Senate Finance Committee.

Legislators last year approved the state’s first private school choice program, which took effect Jan. 1. It allows a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations toward tuition scholarships for special-needs students. But the credit maxes out at $8 million. Revenue said $7.4 million was available Friday.

The nonprofits organized to accept donations and provide scholarships want a process for assuring credits are available.

One of the four approved groups has distributed 56 scholarships. With some exceptions, the others are waiting to cash donors’ checks.