What is a QFCO? Understanding the Qualified Foster Care Charitable Organization Designation
Blog Highlights
● A QFCO is an organization that the government has previously vetted to ensure that it meets specific criteria for the care of foster children.
● The Foster Care Tax Credit in Arizona allows you to claim donations to a QFCO for a dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax burden.
● QFCO donations directly benefit Arizona children.
When tax season rolls around, many people are looking for ways to reduce tax liability–and donating to a Qualified Foster Care Charitable Organization can help you donate to a critical cause while reaping those benefits. However, if you want to make the most of your donation, you may want to make sure that you understand what a QFCO is and how the tax benefit works. Take a look at these important facets of those programs and how you can get involved.
How the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit Works
The Arizona Foster Tax Credit directly reduces your tax bill: for 2025, you can claim up to $618 for a single individual or $1,234 for married individuals filing jointly. These donations lead to a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your state tax bill. Donations made throughout 2025 or through April 15, 2026, can go on your 2025 tax return, so it’s not too late to donate and reap those benefits. For 2026, you can claim up to $632 for single filers and $1,262 for couples.
Why Give to a Qualified Foster Care Organization?
When you donate to a qualified foster care organization, you know your donation goes directly to an organization working to benefit Arizona children. These organizations must provide services that meet basic needs, from medical care, including behavioral health services, to food, clothing, childcare, job placement or training, and more. These essential services can make all the difference for youth in foster care, who may lack access to many of the opportunities provided to their peers.
Tax Benefits for Individuals vs. Businesses: Can an LLC Donate?
While LLCs can certainly donate to foster care organizations, providing them with much-needed support, the tax credit is intended for individuals. Therefore, while individual members of an LLC can qualify, the business itself is not eligible for the same tax credit. Want to see how else you can give? See here.
How to Verify if a Nonprofit is a Certified QFCO
To qualify as a QFCO, organizations must apply through the Arizona Department of Revenue and demonstrate that they meet the standards for such organizations, including providing vital services to children and teens in foster care. To verify if the nonprofit organization you’re considering is a certified QFCO, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website and check out the list of qualified organizations. Already donated to a Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCO)? You can claim tax credits for both!
Making an Impact: How Your QFCO Donation Helps Arizona Children
Your QFCO donation can make a huge difference in the quality of life and future opportunities for Arizona children. At Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, for example, we offer a variety of programs to support educational and extracurricular activities. Those include:
● Funding for participation in sports and activities, including athletic events
● Much-needed materials for babies and toddlers, including things like child care startup fees and car seats
● Social and community opportunities
● Educational materials, including books
● Transition programs that help support youth as they move out of foster care and into a higher level of independence
● Post-secondary education funding, allowing youth in foster care to participate in college programs
Through these programs, many children and teens in foster care are able to take advantage of opportunities that would otherwise have been inaccessible to them. We help remove funding barriers for foster parents and offer support that can help youth develop critical life skills.
Maximize Impact: Donate and Save Taxes!
If you want to maximize your impact while lowering your tax liability, give to AFFCF and help us as we provide essential services and supports for children and youth in foster care. We are a qualified QFCO, which means you can feel confident that your donations are going to those critical programs. Donate today for more information about donating.
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