What are tax credit scholarships?
The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, “Invest in Kids,” provides a 75 percent Illinois state income tax credit to individuals and corporations that contribute money to a non-profit Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). The SGOs award scholarships to eligible students from low-income families. Donors will use money already owed to the state (taxes) and donate it to a needs-based scholarships instead, all while receiving a 75 percent state tax credit.
Through this program:
  • An individual or corporation will receive a 75 percent credit on donations to an SGO. For example, if a person donates $100,000, they will receive a state tax credit of $75,000
  • Individual donors can designate their donations to Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
  • The credit can be rolled over for five years
  • Donors are prohibited from receiving a federal tax deduction for these donations

Invest in Kids Today!

  • Individual and corporate donors can reserve tax credits through mytax.illinois.gov by following these steps:
    1. Create a MyTax Illinois account on mytax.illinois.gov. Anyone applying for a scholarship tax credit is required to have an account. If you do not have one, the first step is requesting a Letter ID from the Illinois Department of Revenue.
      • CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to request a Letter ID.
      • CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to activate your my tax account.
    2. Apply for a tax credit on mytax.illinois.gov. Donors will need to provide the following information:
      • Region to which he/she plans to donate
      • Name of SGO to which he/she plans to donate (the Archdiocese is partnering with Empower Illinois)
      • Amount he/she plans to donate
      • CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the credit
    3. Donate to the SGO within 60 days of receiving your application approval and the Contribution Authorization Certificate.

For a letter from Fr. Hyland, please click here.