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Key Dates & Deadlines for 2026–2027

 

March 1st, 2026
Applications Open

Online application becomes available on the SFIC website in the Parent/Student Portal.

May 1, 2026
Final Deadline

All required documents must be submitted by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Criteria

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) provides scholarships for students in grades K–12 from low-income families who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a private/parochial schools within the Archdiocese of Newark (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties). Pre-K and after-school programs are not eligible. Only schools listed on our online application can be considered.

Student & School

Students must be entering grades K–12 and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a participating private/parochial school within the Archdiocese of Newark. Assistance is not available for Pre-K or after-school programs.

Household Income

Eligibility is based on total family household size and income. Families must meet the financial requirements established by SFIC as outlined in the current Household Size & Income chart on this webpage.

Award Limit

Only one SFIC scholarship award per student is permitted. Awards are paid directly to the school in two installments, provided student tuition remains up to date.

Required Documents

Your application is considered complete only when all required documents are submitted. SFIC cannot accept prior-year financial forms or tax transcripts. Please upload clear copies of the following:

Core Documents

  • Signed 2025 Federal 1040 form (pages 1 & 2), listing each child for whom you are requesting assistance.
  • All 2025 W-2 forms for every wage earner in the household.
  • Schedule 1 and/or Schedule C if business or additional income is reported on the Federal 1040.
  • $35 non-refundable application fee payable to SFIC.
  • A valid email address for all SFIC communications.

Additional Income (If Applicable)

  • Child Support: Court order or year-end statement showing total support received.
  • Food Stamps: Official statement showing the monthly benefit amount and date of issuance.
  • Social Security: SSA statement or official notice showing total or monthly benefits and date of issuance.
  • Unemployment: Determination letter and benefit statement showing weekly or monthly amount.
  • Other Income: Any official documentation showing additional income, including recipient name, source, and date.

If you do not receive any additional income, you will indicate “No” on the application.

Need help identifying the forms? View sample documents below:

How to Apply

Returning Families

Families who are currently receiving scholarships or applied in the previous year will receive an email with a special link to re-apply.

  • Use the unique application link sent to you by SFIC.
  • Do not apply through the “New Applicant” link. This creates duplicate records and delays processing.
  • Re-apply each year and upload your most current financial documentation.

New Applicants

Families applying for the first time must create an account through the SFIC Parent/Student Portal.

  • Visit the Parent/Student Portal on sficnj.org and select “New Family.”
  • Create a secure login and save your password; you’ll use this account each year to re-apply.
  • Complete all sections of the online application and upload the required documents.

Household Size & Income Guidelines

SFIC scholarships are awarded based on the total number of people in your household and your family’s annual income. Use the chart below to see whether your family falls within the eligible income range for the current school year.

Note: Household size includes all adults and children living in the home. Income includes wages, business income, and any additional sources such as child support, Social Security, and unemployment benefits.

Eligible Catholic Schools

Visit the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark Website for more information about their schools. 

RCAN Schools 

FAQs

Preguntas Frecuentes