Why Donate?
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God’s commandments diligently to their children—when they sit, walk, lie down, and rise. Proverbs 22:6 is equally direct: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Christian education should not be a luxury. Since it is the intentional formation of young hearts and minds according to a biblical worldview, it is crucial.
When you donate to tuition assistance, you are not merely helping a child attend a school. You are helping shape a future pastor, missionary, teacher, parent, or business leader whose life will glorify Christ for decades. You are protecting a soul from the world’s indoctrination and planting seeds that may bear fruit for a hundred generations. The widow’s mite was praised not because it was large, but because it was all she had and it was given to God (Mark 12:41-44). Whatever amount the Lord has placed in your hands, it is enough when placed in His service.
HOW CAN YOU DONATE?
THIS IS NOT TAX ADVICE PLEASE CONFIRM INFORMATION
Grain Donation
Stock Donation
Online
Mail a Donation
Mail your gift to:
Iowa Lutheran STO
PO Box 176
Terril, IA 51364
How Does It Work?
Whether you're retired, a C-Corp, or a school family your donation to Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization can give back to students and offer YOU a generous tax credit. That's right, the largest tax credit in the state of Iowa is available offering 75% off your Iowa state income taxes. Our organization is seeking to raise $1,165,925 to be awarded for the 2027-2028 school year. Last year, we provided aid to 480 students who were seeking assistance to attend an Iowa Lutheran school. These gifts were a blessing to families who are being stretched financially and would like their children to have a Christian education.
When you make a gift today, you are supporting the next generation of Christian youth to be trained up on a biblical foundation. Your donation can be broken up across five different years of income tax to reduce your tax liability. In January of 2027 you will receive a letter to submit with your 2026 taxes to take advantage of the tax credit.
EXAMPLE: $1000 GIFT = REDUCING YOUR IOWA STATE INCOME TAXES BY $750
**NOTE: THERE IS NOT A LIMIT TO THE DONATION AMOUNT, ALL DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED UNTIL WE HIT THE $1,165,925 AS THAT IS THE AMOUNT OF TAX CREDITS WE ARE ALLOWED**
Your donation can be designated to the school of your choice on the donation form, or applied to wherever the need is greatest.
Questions? Reach out to our Program Director, Dewey at deweytorkelson@gmail.com
Gratitude From Our School Families
"We really wanted our son to have a Lutheran education, but felt it was out of reach for us financially. We decided it was important to us as a family and applied for Clarinda Lutheran School and ILSTO. We were extremely excited that we were able to get assistance paying for his tuition. It has been a very positive experience for our son going to CLS.
"The STO program will continue to be a vital part of being able to afford a solid Lutheran education as an integral foundation of our children's lives in Christ."
"We have had our hearts set on Valley since our daughter was just 3 years old. We couldn't be more thankful it's becoming a reality!"
"We were highly honored to receive a huge gift last year. It was an answered prayer!"
"STO aide has made it financially possible for my daughter to attend a Christian School. Allowing her to learn her core education, plus religion. Smaller Christian schooling has been such a positive change for her. For that I am extremely grateful! Thank you!
"The ILSTO program has been a wonderful helping in keeping my four children at Trinity Lutheran School over the years. Six years ago, I was widowed and with only one income, all dollars make a huge difference! Thank you!"