Arizona schools receive $41 million in tax credit donations
Donors can deduct up to $400 from taxes while funding extracurricular programs
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Arizona public schools received more than $41 million in tax credit donations last year, funding programs like sports, music, and field trips while offering donors tax deductions.
The April 15 deadline to claim tax credits for 2025 donations is approaching. Individuals can donate and deduct up to $200 from their taxes, while joint filers can deduct up to $400.
A report from the Arizona Department of Revenue shows Tucson Unified School District received the most money in southern Arizona, with nearly 14,000 people contributing more than $2 million.
Catalina Foothills High received about twice as much as the next closest school, with the affluent community donating more than $800,000.
Programs rely on donations
Extra-curricular activities boost student performance and engagement but cost school districts millions of dollars.
“Would you rather see students engaged in engineering, problem-solving, and collaborative work, or sitting on their phones?” said Charlotte Ackerman, Catalina Foothills Pioneer Robotics Team Coach.
The robotics program’s practice arena and competition robot were funded by tax credit donations. Ackerman estimates that two-thirds of the program receives funding through the program.
“There are big expenses in robotics and being able to afford those and push through the boundaries we might have – it really makes a huge difference,” said Christian Pierson, the robotics team captain, who has participated in robotics since fourth grade.
“I couldn’t imagine going home after school and just sitting around with nothing to do,” Pierson said.
Donors can choose which school and program to support. Just go to your district’s donation website or reach out directly for support.
“This is an investment in a community of learning,” Ackerman said.
The Pioneer Robotics Team will compete this weekend in the state tournament. They said they owe their success to donors.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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