Tax Credit Program

Location: Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Kansas
Address: 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202

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.

Online

1. Visit the Tax Credit Program giving page at supportforcatholicschools.org
2. Complete donation form online
3. Provide your taxpayer identification number
4. Submit payment via credit card

By Mail

1. Print the donation form
2. Mail to: 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202
3. Write "Low Income Scholarship Tax Credit Program" in memo line
4. Make check payable to Support for Catholic Schools
5. Include your taxpayer identification number

By Phone

1. Call 316-269-3917
2. Provide taxpayer identification number
3. Discuss gift amount and payment method

Accepted Gift Types

• Credit card
• Check
• Cash
• Appreciated securities: Complete and submit the Authorization for Transfer of Gift Securities form
• Personal and real property: Contact staff for valuation and case-by-case consideration. Call 316-269-3917 for details

Required Information

• Taxpayer identification number (required to receive 75% Kansas tax credit)
• Gift amount (minimum $500; maximum $500,000 per tax year)
• Payment method and details
• For securities: Completed Authorization for Transfer of Gift Securities form

Submission Guidelines

• Gifts made directly to Support for Catholic Schools only (third-party gifts not accepted)
• Donor-advised funds and employee giving program gifts not accepted for tax credit eligibility