The IBE Scholarship, managed by the Institute for Better Education (IBE), is a private-school tuition assistance program operating under Arizona’s tax-credit framework. Functioning as an Arizona-certified School Tuition Organization (STO) and nonprofit, IBE empowers families to seek private education through tax-deductible donations and financial aid awards. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has facilitated millions in scholarship grants to K–12 students, including those with special needs—offering diverse pathways for both donors and applicants.
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How the IBE Scholarship Works
1. Who’s Eligible?
- Original Individual Program: Open to any child in grades K–12 (or disabled preschoolers at least 3 years old with an Arizona IEP or MET), attending a private school.
- PLUS/Switcher Program: Targets children relocating from public or charter schools, homeschooling, ESA, or entering kindergarten. Includes disabled preschoolers and military dependents stationed in Arizona.
- Corporate Programs:
- Low-Income: Students meeting income caps and transitioning from public/ESA.
- Disabled/Displaced: For children with IEP/MET/504 status or history in foster care.
2. Types of Support
- Financial Aid Scholarships: Core awards determined by family income, hardship, tuition cost, and number of children in private school.
- Recommended Funds: Donations from family or friends directed toward a student or school; 92% go to scholarships, while 8% support operational costs.
3. Donation Limits (Tax-Credit Based)
- Original Individual:
- 2025: $769 (single), $1,535 (married filing jointly)
- PLUS/Switcher:
- 2025: $766 (single), $1,527 (married filing jointly)
- 2026 projections: Slight increase in donation caps.
Contributors must fulfill the Original donation before giving to PLUS/Switcher in the same tax year.
4. Application Timing & Disbursement
- Applications are released around January or February for the upcoming school year.
- Financial Aid: Awarded beginning July, then monthly until funds are depleted.
- Recommended Funds: Distributed to schools monthly (1st–15th), except June.
5. Transparency & Stewardship
- IBE is legally required to audit annually, with operational costs capped at 8% of donations.
- Donor recommendations are advisory—not binding—per Arizona STO law.
- Scholarships return unused funds or prorated amounts if the student leaves or switches schools.
6. Scope & Impact
- Since 1998, IBE has awarded over $215 million in scholarships.
- For the 2022–2023 academic year, nearly $22 million was granted across 330+ schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies for IBE? | Students in grades K–12, disabled preschoolers with IEP/MET at least age 3, attending Arizona private schools. PLUS/Switcher requires additional criteria. |
| How do Recommended Funds work? | Donors contribute (within legal limits), suggest a student or school, and 92% supports scholarships. |
| Can I donate to my own child? | No—Arizona law prevents donors from recommending funds for their own dependents. |
| What’s the role of operational fees? | Up to 8% of donations are used for administration (audits, staffing, marketing)—the rest funds scholarships. |
| Are applications annual? | Yes—families must apply each school year. |
| What if a student withdraws mid-year? | Schools must refund prorated amounts; funds are reassigned to others. |
| Can students receive multiple scholarship sources? | Yes—from different STOs. But cannot accept both STO funds and ESA simultaneously. |
| Is IBE audited? | Yes, annually and transparently. |
Final Thoughts
The IBE Scholarship program offers a structured, transparent, and impactful avenue for Arizona families seeking private school education—with dual pathways for both financial aid and donor-supported scholarships. Rooted in tax-credit incentives, IBE ensures accountability, oversight, and broad access. Its long-standing record—from 1998 to today—demonstrates sustained commitment, serving thousands of students with millions in support. Whether you’re a donor shaping educational futures or a family navigating options, IBE stands out as a reliable, mission-driven organization making a real difference.
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