The Sioux City Diocese and the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation announced yesterday (Wednesday) they have met their 2016 fundraising goal of nearly $3 million. The $2,939,833 will be used to support need-based tuition assistance to qualifying students within the seven Catholic high schools and 16 grade schools within diocese for the 2017/18 school year. “The tuition dollars will go to families who want a Catholic education for their children, but may have a difficult time affording it,” said Kristie M. Arlt, director of communications and development for the diocese. Contributors to the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation receive an Iowa income tax credit equal to 65 percent of their donation. They may also qualify for federal income tax deductions. In the past 10 years, the foundation has raised over $23 million for tuition assistance. Information about the 2017/18 grant application process for families wishing to apply can be found at www.scdiocese.org after Feb. 1, 2017. Those wishing to make a donation for next year may do so after Jan. 1, 2017.