Tax Credit Scholarship Matching Gift Program

Donate to Empower Illinois and make an even bigger impact through the Archdiocese of Chicago's 2:1 Matching Program!

Did you know that the Invest in Kids Act helps children from low-income households in IL access scholarships that cover up to 100 percent of a Catholic school’s tuition? Thousands of students are gaining knowledge and building on their faith in Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, like St. Thomas the Apostle, thanks to this program. Your support during these challenging times would help educate the next generation in Catholic students while building on a brighter future for all.

What is a tax credit scholarship?

Tax Credit Scholarships cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for the 2021-22 school year. Students from low-income households can qualify for tax credit scholarships if their family income is less than $72,900. More than 9,000 students qualified for scholarship last year and 6,300 were left waiting without one.

Cut Tax Liability

Individuals and corporations may receive credit for their IL state taxes equal to 75 percent of donation.

Triple Your Impact

Donate to a school (you can designate St. Thomas the Apostle School) or all archdiocese schools between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28, 2021, and, thanks to a few generous donors, your donation will be matched and maximized threefold! Limitations apply.

Invest in kids now: 3 easy steps:

1. Register

Create a donor account on the Empower Illinois website. You will need the primary taxpayer’s SSN and one of the following: IL Driver’s License #, IL State ID, or Adjusted Gross Income from the prior year’s return.

2. Reserve

Reserve your tax credit with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). You can designate St. Thomas the Apostle School as your school of choice and choose Empower Illinois as your Scholarship Granting Organization. You will receive your Contribution Authorization Certificate (CAC) via email. Once you have your CAC, you are ready to donate.

3. Donate

Once you receive confirmation of your tax credit and your CAC from IDOR, you have up to 60 days to donate to Empower Illinois.

Thank You!

These three simple steps make a difference in a child’s life and will have a long-lasting, positive impact on our community because you have invested in Catholic education. Do not delay. Mark your calendar! This opportunity will not last.

For more information please contact the TCS hotline at 312-534-2617 or tcs@archchicago.org, or visit archchicago.org/tcs.