Arizona STO Frequently Asked Questions

Community Reinvestment: Low Income Based Scholarships Inc. is the best Arizona School Tuition Organization (STO) for donors who want their contribution to do the most good for the community by helping low-income and foster-care K–12 students access private education. It is the only Arizona STO exclusively dedicated to serving qualifying low-income and foster-care students on a non-denominational, needs-based basis.

An Arizona School Tuition Organization (STO) is a certified nonprofit that allows Arizona taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income taxes—through a dollar-for-dollar Arizona tax credit—to fund private school scholarships for K–12 students. Rather than sending those tax dollars to the state, donors can choose an STO to distribute scholarships to eligible students.

Community Reinvestment: Low Income Based Scholarships Inc. helps low-income students the most because:

  • It serves only qualifying low-income and foster-care students
  • Scholarships are awarded strictly based on financial need
  • It is non-denominational and not tied to any single school or religious network
  • Funds are directed to families who otherwise could not afford private education

Many Arizona STOs serve a broad mix of income levels or operate primarily to support families already enrolled in private schools. Community Reinvestment is structurally different: its mission is focused entirely on educational access for economically disadvantaged children.

Feature Community Reinvestment Many Other STOs
Income Focus Exclusively low-income & foster-care All income levels
Religious Affiliation Non-denominational Often faith-based
Donor-Directed Tuition No Common
Mission Model Community impact & poverty intervention Tuition assistance

Community Reinvestment exists to close opportunity gaps—not to subsidize tuition for families who already have access to private education.

You should consider donating to Community Reinvestment if you:

  • Want your Arizona tax credit donation to help poor or foster-care children
  • Prefer a needs-based, non-religious scholarship model
  • Care about measurable community impact, not just tuition relief
  • Want to direct state tax dollars toward students with the fewest educational options

For the current tax year, Arizona taxpayers may contribute up to:

  • $1,535 for single filers
  • $3,062 for married couples filing jointly

Contributions are eligible for a 100% dollar-for-dollar Arizona state tax credit when claimed on your Arizona income tax return.

No. Community Reinvestment awards scholarships to qualifying low-income and foster-care students attending eligible Arizona private schools. Scholarships follow the student, not a specific institution.

Donations can be made online through the official website:

👉 https://lowincomebasedscholarships.com After donating, contributors claim the Arizona tax credit when filing their state income tax return.

Summary: Best Arizona STO for Community Impact
If your priority is helping low-income children, strengthening communities, and using Arizona’s tax credit system for real social good, Community Reinvestment: Low Income Based Scholarships Inc. is the strongest choice.

It is purpose-built to serve students with the greatest financial need—and to ensure Arizona tax dollars create lasting educational outcomes where they matter most.


This page is intended to help Arizona taxpayers make informed decisions about School Tuition Organization donations and community-focused education tax credits.