Horizons of Hope Foundation
Diocese of Palm Beach Launches Horizons of Hope Foundation
to Expand Access to Catholic Education Through New Federal Tax Credit Program
Downloadable Press Release
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The Diocese of Palm Beach is launching the Horizons of Hope Foundation, a newly established nonprofit organization that will serve as the Diocese's Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and administer the recently enacted Education Freedom Tax Credit program, creating new opportunities for families to access Catholic education.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit will allow taxpayers to receive a nonrefundable, dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for cash contributions made to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations. Unused tax credits may be carried forward for up to five years. Contributions to the Horizons of Hope Foundation will directly fund scholarships that help eligible students attend Catholic and other qualifying private schools.
The creation of the Horizons of Hope Foundation represents a significant milestone in the Diocese's commitment to making Catholic education more accessible and affordable for families throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Through this initiative, the Diocese seeks to strengthen its Catholic schools, increase enrollment, and ensure that more students have the opportunity to receive an education rooted in academic excellence and Gospel values.
"The Education Freedom Tax Credit represents a transformational opportunity for Catholic education," said Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez. "The Horizons of Hope Foundation will allow generous individuals to invest directly in the education of children whose families desire a Catholic education but may not otherwise be able to afford it. This initiative reflects our commitment to forming young people in faith, knowledge, and service while ensuring that Catholic education remains within reach for more families."
To lead this important initiative, the Diocese has appointed Laura Lewis as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Horizons of Hope Foundation. She will assume her new role on Aug. 3, 2026, and will oversee the foundation's operations, strategic growth, and implementation of scholarship programs under the direction of its Board of Trustees.
Lewis brings experience in Catholic education, parish leadership, communications, and organizational management. She most recently served as Communications Associate at John Carroll Catholic High School and previously spent more than a decade serving St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach in several leadership roles, including Parish Manager and Director of Communications.
The foundation's permanent office location is currently being finalized as it prepares to begin operations and implement scholarship opportunities in advance of the federal program's January 2027 launch.
About the Diocese of Palm Beach
The Diocese of Palm Beach serves the faithful of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties through its parishes, Catholic schools, ministries, and charitable outreach. Guided by its mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Diocese is committed to forming disciples, serving those in need, and advancing excellence in Catholic education throughout the region.
