Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship
Program Type: The Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PIAK) Scholarship is a tax-credit scholarship which allows businesses to receive tax credits for their donations to Scholarship-Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs in turn offer scholarships for students to attend private schools.
Who It Serves: K-12 students from families earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $62,400 for a family of four in 2024-2025)
Funding Amount:
- Up to $6,200 for grades K-8
- Up to $6,900 for grades 9-12
- (80-90% of state foundation funding)
What It Supports: Private school tuition and fees at participating Arkansas schools
Eligibility Requirements: Students must have attended public school for at least one semester in the current year, be enrolling in kindergarten for the first time, be transferring from out-of-state, or have an IDEA-identified disability.
Key Details: The program is funded through private donations that generate 100% tax credits for Arkansas taxpayers (individuals or businesses). Students with disabilities identified under IDEA may combine PIAK with the EFA program; otherwise, the programs cannot be stacked.
How to Apply: Families apply directly to Scholarship-Granting Organizations (SGOs), not to the state. Approved SGOs include The Reform Alliance and ACE Scholarships Arkansas.
Annual Cap: The program is capped at $6 million annually in total tax credits. The cap increases by 5% each year if at least 90% of available credits were claimed in the previous year. Donors act quickly as credits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Timing: Opens in April; apply as early as possible due to limited funding.
Here are other useful links for the program: Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship Program Tax Site and Start the PIAK Process