Tax Credit Program

Tax Credit Program

Organization: Support for Catholic Schools, Inc.
Location: Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Kansas
Contact: 316-269-3917 or development@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org
Address: 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202

Overview

A Kansas Low Income Student Scholarship Program established under 2014 Kansas law. Donors contribute to Support for Catholic Schools and receive a 75% Kansas state income tax credit applied directly to their Kansas income tax liability. Funds support low-income students across all 38 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wichita.

Status & Availability

• As of April 2, 2026: $9.4 million in tax credits available
• Statewide cap: $10 million allocated by Kansas
• Allocation: First-come, first-served basis
• Tax credits are nonrefundable but can be carried over to future tax years

Geographic Scope

• Kansas taxpayers only
• Benefits 38 Catholic schools in Diocese of Wichita

Funding Focus

• Low-income students who qualify for free and reduced lunch program
• New students entering school (kindergarten or transfer students)
• Schools may use funds for: classroom supplies, technology, books, student fee reduction, teacher salaries, and other educational costs
• Distribution requirement: At least 90% of all gifts distributed to diocesan schools annually
• 2025-26 award: $3.4 million distributed

Eligibility Requirements

• Donor requirements:
- Minimum gift of $500 - Contributions cannot exceed $500,000 per donor per tax year - Must be Kansas taxpayer - Gifts must be made directly to Support for Catholic Schools (third-party gifts, donor-advised funds, and employee giving program gifts are not accepted) - Your taxpayer identification number is required

• Student eligibility:
- Qualify for free and reduced lunch program - Entering school for first time (kindergarten or transfer students)

Tax Benefits

• Primary benefit: 75% Kansas state income tax credit (dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax liability)
• Example: $1,000 donation = $750 tax credit, eliminating $750 in Kansas income tax liability
• Federal benefit: For donors who itemize at federal level, 25% deduction may also be possible
• Comparison: Other 501(c)(3) nonprofits offer charitable deduction of approximately $57 per $1,000 donated (based on 5.7% Kansas tax rate)

What They Fund

• Scholarships for low-income students
• Teacher salaries and compensation
• School facility maintenance
• Classroom supplies and materials
• Technology and books
• Student fee reduction
• Educational costs across diocesan schools

Program Notes

• Gifts do NOT receive a tax credit if made through the Designated School Program instead
• Gifts to the Tax Credit Program cannot be designated to a particular school
• Tax credits apply to Kansas income tax liability only
• Credits can be partially used or fully eliminate tax liability at donor's discretion

Background

Since 2017, Support for Catholic Schools has infused over $12.9 million in additional funding to diocesan schools, impacting more than 1,000 students and families. The program has become a financial lifeline for schools serving high concentrations of low-income students, allowing improvements in teacher salaries and financial stability.