How Catholic Communities Can Help Expand Educational Opportunity
Invest in Education (IIE) with the support of His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, was founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to expand opportunity for students in New York by helping families access the Catholic school that best meets their needs and strengthening the resources that allow Catholic education to grow. When political barriers limited progress at the state level, IIE strategically shifted its focus nationwide. Today, that effort has culminated in the creation of a federal tax credit scholarship program, now poised to impact millions of students.
Scale of Impact is Unmatched
There are over 50 million Catholic adults in the U.S. and Catholic schools serve millions of families and students across the country. Starting in 2027, your community can help make them affordable for MORE families through the federal tax credit scholarship program.
Example of Impact
If there are 100,000 Catholic households in a diocese and 10% of those taxpayers participate, that will amount to
$17 Million
in private charitable dollars and can help provide scholarships to around 4,250 eligible students with scholarships averaging $4,000.
Why Faith Communities Matter
Religious schools strengthen neighborhoods, provide values-based education and serve diverse families. This program empowers your community to expand that mission.
Today, nearly 75% of private schools in the U.S. remain religiously affiliated, with Catholic schools accounting for roughly half of that group, according to the most recent federal data from the 2020–21 school year.
Despite making up a significant share of the private school landscape, Catholic school enrollment has declined over time, falling to 33.2% from 39.4% of all private school students since 2009.
Beginning in 2027, this tax credit has the potential to generate billions of dollars in private scholarships that could expand educational opportunities in all 50 states.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship
Program Explainer
Key Provisions & Impact
Take Action
To ensure families are able to benefit from this program in 2027, Catholic communities must begin to activate and organize. Check whether your governor has opted in, and if not, urge them to seize this chance to expand educational opportunity.
Select a state to learn more about opportunities for students K-12.
RESOURCES
Catholic Pamphlet
Catholic Newsletter Sample
The new federal tax credit scholarship program presents a significant opportunity to expand educational access for families and strengthen the mission of Catholic schools. Funded entirely through private donations, the program provides scholarships that can be used for tuition, tutoring, and other essential educational supports, at no cost to the state.
With state participation, Catholic schools and the families they serve could benefit from increased resources that help make a faith-based education more accessible and sustainable. At a time when many families are seeking options that align with their values and meet their children’s individual needs, this program offers a practical, community-driven way to support student success and preserve the vital role of Catholic education.
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Catholic Church Bulletin Sample
The new federal tax credit scholarship program offers a meaningful opportunity to expand access for Catholic schools and the families they serve could benefit from additional resources to support tuition, tutoring, and other essential educational needs.
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