I’d like to take a moment to focus on something quite important to the Seed that doesn’t have anything to do with innovative learning in the classroom, kid engineering projects on the playground, or upcoming community events. My topic today is IBE, Institute for Better Education, our tax credit organization.
IBE is a certified STO (School Tuition Organization) that handles tax credits for private schools. When Arizona taxpayers participate, they are able to redirect state tax dollars they are already paying to support scholarships for private school students. After filing Arizona taxes, the donation typically results in no out-of-pocket cost to the donor (within the limits outlined on the IBE website). Each dollar donated either increases the donor’s refund or reduces the amount they owe on their state taxes.
Through IBE, donations can be designated to Awakening Seed School or to a specific elementary student. Students must be enrolled in kindergarten or higher to receive scholarship funds. Parents are not allowed to donate directly to their own child; however, if a donation is made to the school’s general fund, the school may distribute those funds to eligible students. The more families and friends who participate, the more scholarship support we can provide. These scholarships may be awarded to students regardless of family income.
After making a tax credit donation, donors will receive a receipt letter that can be used when filing Arizona taxes. The donation is claimed on Arizona Form 140 and is applied as a dollar-for-dollar credit toward the donor’s state tax liability.
All funds designated to Awakening Seed School through this program support Awakening Seed elementary students through tuition scholarships, helping make our program more accessible to families. Even if your child is currently in the toddler or preschool program, you can still support the Seed by participating in the tax credit opportunity.
We encourage all Arizona taxpayers, including extended family members and friends, to consider supporting Awakening Seed students through this program each year. Donations made through April 15 can still count toward the previous tax year.
Please donate and spread the word to every Arizona tax payer you know!