Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program

In August 2017, with bipartisan support, the Illinois House and Senate passed a comprehensive education funding bill which was signed into law by the Governor. The bill included a five-year program for Tax Credit Scholarships (TCS) for students in private schools that will create more equity in school funding throughout Illinois.

This “Invest in Kids Act” is a new way to fund scholarships for children who choose to attend Illinois Catholic schools. Scholarships offered through this program have the potential to cover up to 100 percent of tuition for a year at Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools.

Thanks to our donors, 2,195 scholarships were awarded to attend a Diocese of Joliet Catholic School during the first four years of the program! However, funding is needed to meet the demand for 2022-23 scholarships across the Diocese as we anticipate more than 2,000 students will apply and qualify. We awarded 757 scholarships awarded for 2021-22 and our goal is to award more than 800 scholarships in 2022-23! Donate before November 30, 2022 to fund a scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.

Watch this video highlighting the impact we have made for our students, families and schools. 

Read this editorial from our St. Mary Nativity principal about the impact Tax Credit Scholarships have on families. 

Claim a 2022 tax credit today.

Donor Information

2022-23 Scholarship Application

Empower Illinois

The application is a two-step process. The reservation form will open at 6:30 p.m. and families may submit their completed reservation form at 7:00 p.m. to receive their timestamp. The reservation will have two pages. On page one, you will enter basic information, such as parent name, student name, and contact information. On page two, you will review this information and click submit. Only after clicking submit on page two will you receive your first come, first-served timestamp.

On January 14, you will be notified by email when part two of the application opens. You can complete this step whenever you are able to ensure accuracy, but we encourage you to submit your application before January 26 for the best chance at receiving a scholarship.

As a reminder, all will need to reapply for the 2022-2023 school year.

Student Application Information

Big Shoulders Fund

The link below contains details for Tax Credit Scholarship applicants and donors. 

Tax Credit Scholarship Questions