Low-Income Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona (38 Catholic schools) and St. Michael Indian School in St. Michael, Arizona (Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico)

Purpose: Provides tuition scholarships to underserved families attending Catholic schools through Arizona's Private Education Tax Credit legislation

Key Facts

• Funding Source: Individual and corporate tax credits directed to Catholic Education Arizona
• Largest STO in Arizona providing scholarships to underserved families
• Student Impact: Assists approximately 45% of Arizona's Catholic school students
• Historical Impact: Since 1998, over $235 million in tuition scholarships awarded to 125,000 families
• Recent Awards: $18.3 million in tax credit contributions (as of 2020); 6,000+ students received assistance in one year; 4,100+ scholarships awarded (2025)

Eligibility

• Families with verified financial need
• Students attending Diocese of Phoenix Catholic schools and affiliated schools
• First-generation high school graduates advancing to college
• Students from underserved families

How It Works

• Individual Tax Credit: Taxpayers direct a portion of their Arizona state tax liability to Catholic Education Arizona (April 15 deadline)
• Corporate Tax Credit: Corporations filing as S/C Corp, LLCs filing as S Corp, and insurance companies can direct up to 100% of their state tax liability (June 30 deadline)
• This is a tax credit, not a donation
• Contribution options: one-time payment, monthly contributions, or payroll deductions
• Many companies offer matching programs

Corporate Partners

Large companies: APS, Grand Canyon University (GCU), Sprouts, Earnhardt Auto Centers, BBVA

Small firms: Attorneys, dentists, general contractors, painters, restaurants

Outcomes

Diocese of Phoenix Catholic High Schools:

• 99% graduation rate
• 97% of graduates matriculate to higher education or military service
• Thousands of hours of community service annually
• 86% of Catholic high school graduates attend four-year colleges

Contact

Catholic Education Arizona

• Phone: 602-218-6542
• Email: info@ceaz.org
• Address: 5353 N 16th Street Suite 330, Phoenix, AZ 85016
• Website: www.ceaz.org
• EIN: #86-0937587

Legal Notes

• IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
• Has never accepted gifts designated for individuals
• Per state law, cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on basis of donor recommendation
• Taxpayers may not claim tax credit if they agree to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer's dependent

How to Apply

1. Contact Your School: Speak with a college advisor or financial aid professional at your Catholic school for current scholarship lists and information
2. Apply Through Your School: Schools coordinate with Catholic Education Arizona to process applications for students with verified financial need
3. Application Process for Donors (to fund scholarships):
   • Individuals: Direct Arizona state taxes to Catholic Education Arizona through the Private Education Tax Credit (deadline: April 15)
   • Corporations: Commit to directing tax liability through Catholic Education Arizona (deadline: June 30)
   • Work with Catholic Education Arizona staff to complete Department of Revenue application process
4. Timeline: Scholarship distributions occur in quarterly payments throughout the fiscal year, with first-round checks distributed in summer/early fall
5. Verification: Families must have verified financial need to qualify

Required Materials

• Financial need verification documentation (processed through schools)
• School enrollment at Diocese of Phoenix Catholic school or affiliated institution

Contact for Application Questions

• Phone: 602-218-6542
• Email: info@ceaz.org
• Website: www.ceaz.org