By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

COLUMBIANA — Cornerstone Christian School has received a $20,000 grant towards its tuition plan, which allows families to pay tuition based on income.

Director of School Operations Jay Adams said in an e-mail the grant came from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, which gives grants to in-state educational, health, humanitarian and cultural activities.

Adams said the money will be used to pay general operating costs coming from funding the income-based tuition program.

“This is the first major response we’ve seen, but it’s very gratifying to see a major donor demonstrate belief in and support of our vision: a private school anyone can afford to attend,” Adams said.

He said although this is the largest grant the school has gotten, the school community remains supportive of fundraising efforts for the program.

“Everyone is very excited,” Adams said. “It’s a thrill to see your school being active about ministry and engaging the community, especially when it’s offering a unique program.”

The income-based tuition program was launched in June. Adams said after a few months, he is convinced the program will be successful.

“We feel it’s not only good theology (helping your neighbor), it’s also good business (distributing costs as widely as possible),” Adams said.

Adams said he is still looking for local businesses to help sponsor the program.

Those interested in applying to Cornerstone Christian can go to Factstuitionaid.com, create an account and search for the school by the zip code.