Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha
What is CSF?
The Children's Scholarship Fund of New York is a Foundation underwritten by the late philanthropist, John Walton. This Foundation provides scholarships to low-income families. The recipients are chosen by lottery. Once a family has been chosen, all children in that family are eligible to participate in the program.
CSF is a scholarship program open to children of all races and faiths whose families meet the federal income guidelines for the free/reduced lunch program. The scholarship provides qualifying parents the opportunity to choose private education for their children.
The fund began in Omaha in the fall of 1998 when 13 Omaha donors matched a $1 million grant from CSF of New York. Additional monies from CSF of New York continue to be matched by CSF of Omaha. This partnership has resulted in $9,455,675 awarded to 10,076 students in K-8th grades over an eight-year period in Northeast Nebraska.
Scholarships are for tuition costs only and payments are made directly to the schools. Parents are required to pay a minimum of $500 per family and are responsible for all fees and books.