Original Individual Scholarship Program

A school tuition organization (STO) scholarship program that provides financial aid to eligible students attending private schools in Arizona.

Eligibility

• Grade Levels: K-12 or preschool students with an Arizona public school MET or IEP
• School Requirement: Attending a qualified private school full-time
• Geographic Scope: Arizona

Funding Structure

• Individual taxpayer contributions provide scholarships
• Families may apply for financial aid directly OR solicit friends and family to recommend donations (Recommended Funds program)
• Awards assessed and released monthly starting July 1st until funds are depleted

Tax Credit Information (2025)

• Single Filers: Up to $769 in tax credit
• Married Filers: Up to $1,535 in tax credit
• Tax credits reduce Arizona state tax liability dollar-for-dollar

Organization Information

• Organization: Institute for Better Education (IBE)
• Status: Arizona Certified School Tuition Organization (STO) and 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
• Contact: services@ibescholarships.org, (520) 512-5438
• Address: 921 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, AZ 85711
• EIN: 23-7102832
• Award Distribution: 92% of donations go to scholarships; 8% covers operational/administrative expenses

Important Notes

• Applications typically released at the start of February for the following school year
• No deadline for Recommended Funds applications, but funds released 1st-15th of each month (except June)
• Donations must be made on or before tax day to claim credit for that tax year
• Law prohibits donors from recommending their own dependents

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications typically released at the start of February for the following school year
• Beginning July 1st, financial aid awards are assessed monthly until funds are depleted

Requirements:

• Submit application to IBE for financial aid or Recommended Funds
• For Recommended Funds, a current application must be on file before funds are released to the school

Recommended Funds Solicitation:

• Families may solicit donations from friends and family members
• Recommended Funds are offered to all schools the 1st-15th of each month (except June)

Application Materials:

• Specific application materials not detailed in provided content

Note: Contact IBE for detailed application requirements and materials.