THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR
2024-2025 AWARDS
is now open.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE APPLICATION LINKS
Please read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) before beginning the application process.
Any questions or issues regarding your application should be directed to schofund@rcan.org . Please make sure to include your name, name of student, phone number and best time to reach you from 9am-4pm and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
When can I apply for the SFIC Tuition Assistance?
The application period for the 2024-2025 school year will be open on the Parent/Student portal February 1, 2024 and closes on May 1, 2024. The application may only be filled out and submitted on-line and will be considered complete once ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS are submitted. Any applications and required financial documents must be received by the deadline date in order to be considered.
How can I apply?
Returning families who are currently receiving a scholarship or have previously applied will receive an email with instructions on how to re-apply with a special link to access the on line application. Returning families MUST USE THE UNIQUE LINK sent via email. Do not re-apply through the NEW APPLICANT link. This will create a duplicate record in our system and the processing of the application will be delayed or you may lose the aid you are receiving now.
New applicant families applying for the very first time should visit the PARENT PORTAL at www.sficnj.org and create an account as a new family. When creating your account be aware that SFIC does not have access to your password so be diligent and save the information where you can readily gain access to it. You will be using this account annually when you re-apply.
What is needed with my application?
All applications must include a copy of your signed 2023 Federal 1040 form and all 2023 W-2 forms (and Schedule 1 or Schedule C if it is reported on the Federal 1040 form). We cannot accept tax transcripts. THEY MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE MAY 1, 2024!!! No exceptions.
A $35 non-refundable on-line fee payable to SFIC is required at the time you file your application (we do not accept cash or money orders – you must use a credit card/debit card/pre-paid credit card to pay the fee). The application will not be saved without the fee payment.
The 2023 Federal 1040 form MUST include the name(s) of each child for whom you are requesting assistance. If appropriate, you should also include copies of Unemployment (or 1099), Child Support, Public Assistance, Social Security benefits (or 1099ss) and proof of guardianship. If the child is claimed by another guardian we will need the 2023 Federal 1040 for them as well.
All applicants must provide a valid email address.
What should I do if my current financial situation is different from my income reported on my 2023 Federal 1040 form?
You must include ANY documentation that supports your change in household income (We still need the 2023 Federal 1040 but also include 4 most current paystubs, letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating the change in your income, unemployment determination letter, etc). You must also submit documentation that the applicant is the legal guardian of the students you are requesting aid for and household size (i.e. birth certificate, legal court documents). DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE MAY 1ST DEADLINE DATE!
WE CANNOT MAKE AN AWARD DECISION BASED ON ANY PREVIOUS TAX YEAR RETURN (i.e. 2022 and before)! If you submit the incorrect tax year return we WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION.
Who is eligible to apply for the SFIC scholarship?
Parents/Guardians of students in grades K-12 from low income families currently or planning to enroll in an eligible private or parochial school located within Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties are eligible to apply. Students entering PRE-K are NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
Once my on-line application is submitted, can I call the SFIC office to inquire about the status of my application?
No. All applications submitted will remain under review until final determinations are made. SFIC will not provide any other information before a finalized award decision has been announced. If your application is still considered incomplete you will continue to get emails advising you what is missing. You can email our office at schofund@rcan.org regarding questions about missing documents. All correspondence regarding your application decision will be emailed to you (we do not provide award status information by phone).
Will you notify me if my on-line application is incomplete or missing information?
Yes. SFIC will email you if you are missing any required documentation. Any information received after the deadline is considered late and will not be cosdered.
If my child is currently receiving a SFIC tuition assistance award, do I have to reapply for the following school year(s)?
Yes. Families must apply for the SFIC tuition assistance award every year, regardless of whether they are currently receiving or have been past recipients of an award. Families must also supply the most current financial documentation with their application every year. If you applied within the last year (whether you received an award or not) you will receive an email with a special link for you to access the application. Please make sure the email on file is the correct one (send us an email with any updates to your address, phone number or email to schofund@rcan.org subject line Information Update. Include the name of the parent, student(s) and account number if available. Include a phone number where you can be reached during the day). Do not use the link on the website for new applicants as it will delay the process and may cause you to lose the aid you are receiving now.
What are the requirements needed to be considered for your tuition assistance award?
Eligibility is based upon the total family household income. Our income eligibility will be closely based on the Federal Poverty Income 270 % guidelines for 2023. Your child must be enrolled or planning to attend a Private or parochial school within Bergen, Essex, Hudson or Union counties and entering grades K to 12th and you must meet the financial requirements established by SFIC. WE DO NOT PROVIDE AWARDS FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING PRE-K!
HH SIZE INCOME (AGI)
For the 2024-2025 year
Do I have to be living in the same town as the school my child attends to be eligible to apply?
No. You do not have to live in the same town as the school but the school must be located in Bergen, Essex, Hudson or Union counties.
Can I receive more than one tuition assistance award from The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children?
No. Only one award from SFIC per student is permitted.
Need help feeding your family? Visit
Community Food Bank of NJ for a list of food banks near you.
