Support Our School

A tax credit is not a tax deduction. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the actual tax owed. For example, if you owe $900 in state income taxes and you donate $400 to a public school for extracurricular activities, you may subtract the $400 from your tax bill and pay the state just $500.

Extracurricular activity means any optional, non-credit educational or recreational activity that supplements the education program of the school. Activities such as sports, visual and performing arts, special programs, field trips, character education, clubs, or outdoor education can be funded with tax credit money. Extracurricular activities help children develop qualities such as leadership, team play, and cooperation as well as provide safe, supervised activities after school hours.

A character education program is a program defined in ARS § 15-719. Under this statute, each district may develop its own course of study for each grade. At a minimum, the character education program must include instruction in the definition and application of at least six of the following character traits: truthfulness, responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, trustworthiness, respect, attentiveness, obedience, orderliness, forgiveness and virtue.

This tax credit is available to all Arizona individual taxpayers regardless of whether or not they have children in school. An individual can contribute and receive a tax credit for any amount up to $200, or a couple filing jointly can contribute up to $400.

Yes, 100 percent of your donation goes directly to the schools for extracurricular activities that benefit students by enriching campus life and learning. None of the money is used for overhead.

Yes, you can say where you want your donation to go. You can choose your child's school, split the donation between one or more Paradise Valley schools, and designate it for any extracurricular activity or character education program you choose. You can donate to a school based on student poverty, type of activity, grade levels or location. If you want to donate to a school or an activity where not all parents can afford to contribute, you may do this.

You may donate any amount but you will only receive tax credit for the $200 or $400 limit. You may donate in installments during the calendar year, or donate it at one time.

No, any individual who pays Arizona State income tax can donate. Anyone with or without children, married or single, can take advantage of this tax credit.

PVSchools middle and high schools are in need of monetary gifts such as cash and checks that can be used for athletic participation fees for students who may have an economic hardship. If you’d like to make a monetary gift, please indicate the school and program to you are contributing.

Individuals and organizations may make a monetary gift and/or donations to PVSchools. Those making monetary gifts may request how the funds are used such as to help cover athletic participation fees for middle and school students or a particular school.

Reduced educational dollars necessitates the need for school districts to turn to their communities and stakeholders to address the shortage to meet the educational needs of students.  Donors have the ability to work with school site administration and the district to identify needs that best support our schools and students.

The Paradise Valley Unified School District is a governmental unit and classified as a charitable organization as defined in section 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts and Donations are accepted and acknowledged by the Governing Board and receipts are issued for tax purposes.  Please refer to your tax preparer for questions on charitable donations and tax deductions.

Donors can send checks with the required form through the mail. Actual items must be reviewed and accepted by the schools. Schools do not have to take donations that do not enhance or improve educational needs such as non-commercial grade treadmills.

If the school/department wishes to use a donation for food, a letter from the donor is required that specifically states food can be purchased.

Cash and checks are accepted. For non-cash donations, items such as books, furniture and musical instruments can be accepted. The donor must indicate the value of the donation for non-cash donations as the school/site cannot make that determination. Information Technology (IT) and Facilities items such as computers, network equipment, displays, printers, or smartphones, playground equipment, appliances, shade structures (donor is responsible for the upkeep) must have prior approval from the IT Department or the Facilities Department. For IT approval, please call (602) 449-2392. For the Facilities Department approval, please call (602) 449-2260.

Exercise equipment is not accepted. Additionally, school sites are not allowed to accept any vehicles that would require district registration with the Maricopa County Vehicle Department such as tractor, car, golf cart, or trailer. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Department at (602) 449-2251.