Philanthropy in Action: Paul Favret Shines a Light on How ACE Scholarships Are Expanding Educational Access Across Multiple States

Across the United States, many families pursue educational opportunities but face financial barriers. Organizations like ACE Scholarships are stepping in to help bridge this gap. By focusing on need-based scholarships for K–12 students, ACE enables thousands of children from lower-income backgrounds to access private school education that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Since its founding, the organization has refined its approach —combining targeted financial support, innovative technology, and policy advocacy. With new federal tax incentives beginning in 2027, Paul Favret says that ACE is poised to expand its impact even further, empowering donors and broadening opportunities for students.

The Mission of ACE Scholarships

ACE Scholarships was founded in Colorado in 2000 by Alex Cranberg, Charlie Gallagher, Ed McVaney, John Seaman, and John Walton. Their goal centered on opening private school opportunities for families who otherwise wouldn’t have the means.

What set ACE apart from the outset was its exclusive focus on need-based scholarships. Over time, the organization’s mission has remained unchanging: help lower-income families access better educational options through direct, sustainable support. Their dedication to this cause has endured for more than two decades, adapting to changing educational landscapes while staying true to their pursuits.

Expanding Access Across States

Starting in Colorado, ACE Scholarships steadily broadened its reach, now operating in 13 states. Over the past 26 years, the organization has awarded more than 121,000 scholarships and distributed more than $395 million in funding. This growth did not happen overnight, but rather through a sustained effort to bring educational choice to more communities.

The expansion accelerated under CEO Norton Rainey, whose leadership has played a significant role in shaping ACE’s multi-state presence. Each new state represents an opportunity to break down barriers for more students, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to educational access. As ACE entered new regions, it tailored its approach to fit local needs and policies, ensuring its model remained effective.

Tax Credit Programs

ACE has strategically leveraged state tax credit programs to encourage donor contributions. These programs offer a tangible incentive, making it easier for individuals to support scholarships without drawing from public education funding.

Looking ahead, the introduction of a federal tax credit in 2027 is expected to make an even greater impact. Donors can receive a dollar-for-dollar benefit of up to $1,700 when giving to qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations, such as ACE. If just 1% of 47 million potential donors participate, projections show close to $799 million could be raised for scholarships each year. This shift could dramatically increase the resources available for students nationwide. With more donors engaging through these incentives, ACE can scale its efforts to reach even more families.

Impact on Students and Families

The reach of ACE Scholarships is felt most in the lives of the students and families it serves. Over 121,000 scholarships have enabled children from lower-income backgrounds to attend private schools that would otherwise be out of reach. By easing the financial strain, ACE empowers families to make decisions based on educational quality rather than cost.

Communities benefit as well, seeing new opportunities for growth and engagement. Many families report that access to these scholarships brings renewed hope and changes the trajectory for their children’s futures. In many cases, schools themselves become stronger with a more diverse student body, and the ripple effect of this support extends far beyond individual households.

ACE continues to adapt by developing solutions that streamline the scholarship application and distribution process. These improvements help ensure funding is delivered efficiently and equitably, reducing barriers for families navigating the system. Policy advocacy is another arm of the organization’s work, as ACE pushes for more supportive programs at the state and national levels to expand educational options.

The Road Ahead for ACE Scholarships

With the upcoming federal tax credit, ACE expects to see an even broader base of donor support and scholarship opportunities across its 13-state network. The organization’s focus remains on evolving its strategies to meet the changing needs of students and families.

Future goals include continued expansion into new states and the development of innovative policies and platforms. ACE’s long-term vision centers on making private education attainable for more families, ensuring that educational access keeps pace with community needs and national policy changes. As new incentives and technologies emerge, ACE is preparing to heighten its impact and extend its mission for years to come.