Sheperd of the Desert Education Foundation

480.860.1188 Ext. 290

Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation building

NOTICE: 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. (House Bills 2663 and 2664, A.R.S. 43-1603)

How You Can Help A ChildAnd Claim A Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Credit

The Arizona Income Tax Credit Program, established by the Arizona Legislature in 1997, enables Arizona residents to get personally involved in supporting the statewide school choice movement. Every Arizona taxpayer is eligible to receive a 100% dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their state income tax liability by making a contribution to a School Tuition Organization like Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation. This means that you can now direct dollars you would otherwise spend in taxes to help a needy child get a quality education — and the promise of a brighter future!

Taxpayers can take income tax dollars they already owe to the state of Arizona and re-direct them to help Arizona students attend the private school of their choice. State law allows married taxpayers that file a joint return to contribute up to $1,000. Single taxpayers may contribute up to $500. If the contribution is greater than your actual state income tax liability, the law allows a carry forward credit for up to five years.

For more details, please download the Arizona Department of Revenue Publication 707.

Arizona Department of Revenue Forms 301 and 323 are used for claiming this tax credit.

When you give the gift of choice to deserving students, you have your choice in how you make this tax credit gift to Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation:

  • Mail your one-time gift with the donation by check or credit card donation with the Donor Form to Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation. We accept MasterCard, Visa Discover and American Express. For credit card donations, complete the Donor Form and send by mail, phone our office — 480-860-1188, extension 290, or donate online.
  • Many donors prefer making their tax credit donation in installments so that all of the expense doesn't come at the end of the year when some families are short of funds. Church members may use the church orange-bordered Foundation donation envelopes — there's one in each of your monthly contribution packets. Other Foundation donation envelopes are available in the church and school offices.