Bitcoin Scholars Fund to Direct $21M in Tax Credits to K-12

Bitcoin Scholars Fund launched April 15, 2026, as a Texas-registered 501(c)(3) scholarship granting organization that aims to redirect $21 million in federal tax credits into K-12 bitcoin and financial literacy scholarships by 2027 under Public Law 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The law, signed July 4, 2025, creates a federal tax credit scholarship program effective for the 2027 tax year, with credits claimed on 2028 tax returns. Individual donors may contribute up to $1,700 per year to a qualified scholarship granting organization and receive a dollar-for-dollar nonrefundable federal tax credit. Married couples may contribute up to $3,400.

As a qualified SGO under the statute, the fund must direct at least 90% of donations into scholarships. The organization says it intends to operate at near-100% scholarship efficiency. Awards are intended to cover qualified education expenses tied to bitcoin and financial literacy programs for elementary and secondary students who attend private schools or take part in participating public programs in states that opt into the federal program. Scholarship awards will be tax-free to recipients under the law.

The fund describes its operational approach as “Zero-Leakage.” It plans to build a treasury that includes an allocation to STRC, a perpetual preferred stock issued by Strategy Inc., which the organization characterizes as a yield-bearing instrument linked to bitcoin accumulation. Bitcoin earmarked for operations will be held in bitcoin. Donors can give in bitcoin or fiat through the fund’s website to support 2026 operations.

Scholarship distributions are scheduled to begin January 3, 2027. The fund lists Phil Geiger, head of business development at Metaplanet and a former Unchained Capital executive; Jessy Gilger, a certified financial planner and founder of Gannett Wealth Advisors; and Lisa Neigut, a registered agent and bitcoin developer, among its advisors and organizers.

The launch announcement on social media read: “Today, you’re sending your hard-earned capital to the government. You don’t get a receipt. You don’t get a progress report. You don’t get a choice.”

States must opt into the federal credit program and the Secretary of the Treasury will administer and oversee the program. Donors contributing in 2026 may direct funds now to support the organization’s initial operations; the federal tax credits created by the law apply beginning with the 2027 tax year.

Bitcoin Scholars Fund is a separate entity from other groups that use bitcoin in scholarship programs. One example focuses on time-locked $500 bitcoin awards paired with financial literacy for underprivileged youth and operates under a different model.

Applicants, donors and state officials will need to follow forthcoming federal regulations and Treasury guidance as the program prepares to operate in 2027.