For thousands of families, the dream of a high-quality Catholic education in Arizona is within reach because of Catholic Education Arizona. For over 26 years, Catholic Education Arizona has provided over 157,000 critical tuition scholarships to thousands of underserved students.

“At Catholic Education Arizona, we believe all families should have the right to choose the best education for their children,” said Nancy Padberg, MBA, President & CEO of Catholic Education Arizona. Individuals and corporations support Catholic Education Arizona and The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic High Schools because of their impressive results:

  • 99% graduation rate 
  • 96% matriculation to higher education, trade school, or enter military service
  • 1000s of hours of community service conducted annually

There are three ways you can fund scholarships for future leaders: 

# 1 Arizona Private Education Tax Credit

The Private Education Individual Tax Credit is a 100% dollar-for-dollar tax credit, which means it is at no additional cost to you. This tax credit allows taxpayers to redirect their Arizona tax liability to organizations like Catholic Education Arizona. Individuals may designate their contribution to a specific school or the General Scholarship Fund, funding scholarships for schools with the highest unmet need. To determine how much you can contribute:

  1. Take a look at last year’s state tax return.
  2. If you file Form 140, look at Line 48 to find the amount you can contribute.
  3. If you file Form 140PY, look at Line 58.

For tax year 2024 (through 4/15/25), you can contribute up to $1,459 for single filers and $2,910 for married filers. You can make your contribution online at CEAZ.org, by phone (602) 218-6542, or by mail. Once you made your contribution, we will email or mail a receipt to you. Present your tax credit receipt to your tax preparer as proof of tax payment to Catholic Education Arizona. 

#2 Arizona Corporate Tax Credits

Arizona business leaders can join Grand Canyon University, Cigna, Lumen, Shea Homes, APS, and hundreds more in impacting our community by redirecting their Corporate State Income Tax to fund scholarships for underserved children. If you are a business owner, the Arizona Corporate Tax Credits are a wonderful way to significantly impact the community – and cost you nothing. Business owners can redirect up to 100% of their Arizona Corporate Tax Liability to Catholic Education Arizona through the Arizona Corporate Tax Credits.  

Arizona Low Income Corporate Tax Credit allows corporations to redirect their tax liability to fund scholarships for students in low-income families.

Arizona Disabled Displaced Corporate Tax Credit allows corporations to redirect their corporate tax liability to fund tuition scholarships for students with learning disabilities or who have been part of the Arizona Foster Care system.  

#3 Donations and Planned Gifts

Those interested in traditional donations can do so through the donations and planned gifts division, Changing Lives with Legacy. This division funds unmet scholarship need through charitable donations and planned gifts such as bequests, IRA charitable rollovers, gifts of stock, and more! Visit CEAZ.GiftLegacy.com or contact legacy@ceaz.org. 

Through Arizona tax credits, donations, and planned gifts, we’re changing lives, serving society and transforming culture. Visit ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542 to learn more.

Catholic Education Arizona is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and has never accepted gifts designated for individuals. Per state law, a school tuition organization cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent.