The Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program is Ohio's innovative way to expand educational opportunities for students while providing significant tax benefits for donors. When you contribute to an approved SGO that supports Agape Christian Academy, you're not just making a donation—you're making a strategic investment in the future of Christian education that benefits both students in need and your own tax situation.
For Donors:
For Families:
When you give through the SGO, you're not just reducing your taxes—you're investing in the next generation of Christian leaders. Every scholarship recipient has the opportunity to receive a world-class education rooted in Biblical truth, preparing them to be Ambassadors for Christ in whatever calling God places on their lives.
Your strategic giving through the SGO creates a win-win opportunity: you receive maximum tax benefits while providing life-changing educational opportunities for students in need. Together, we can ensure that financial barriers never prevent a family from choosing the transformative power of Christian education.
Give strategically. Give Biblically. Give through SGO.
A: The Ohio tax credit allows individuals to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their state income tax liability for donations made to a certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), up to $750 per taxpayer ($1,500 for married couples filing jointly).
A: An SGO is a nonprofit organization certified by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office that provides scholarships to students attending eligible private schools. The Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) serves as the SGO for Agape Christian Academy. The SGO program was enacted in 2021 as part of Ohio House Bill 33.
A: Any Ohio taxpayer with an Ohio state income tax liability can claim the credit when donating to a certified SGO. Please, share this terrific opportunity with family and friends who support Christian education in Ohio!
A: Your OCEN SGO donation can be claimed when you file your Ohio taxes. Gifts made through April 15th can be retroactively applied to the previous year’s taxes. The credit is a dollar-to-dollar reduction in your state tax liability up to $750 per taxpayer. A married couple filing jointly can claim a credit of up to $1500. To receive the full tax credit, you must have an Ohio tax liability equal to or greater than the amount of the credit. To claim the credit, enter the donation amount on line 15 of the Ohio Schedule of Credits.
A: You can either pay this money in taxes or direct it toward scholarships for students. The state gives you the choice: let them allocate your tax dollars as they choose or use the same amount to help students afford their education at Agape Christian Academy. The decision is yours!
SGO contributions directly support students, teachers, and classrooms. More SGO scholarship funds mean greater flexibility for the Annual Operations Fund. As SGO funds cover more tuition assistance, the Annual Operations Fund can focus on teacher benefits, classroom resources, and professional development—enhancing Agape’s investment in faculty, staff, and the classroom experience.
A: You may do so! In that case, the first $750 will be granted a $750 state tax credit, and the amount of the gift beyond the initial $750 may be claimed as a federal and state tax deduction. Consult with your tax specialist to review your specific tax situation. In the meantime, find more information here.
A: Yes. The tax credit is on a per-individual taxpayer basis. Married couples can receive two separate $750-deductions, totaling $1,500. To receive the maximum credit, spouses must list both of their names on the donation form so that a gift over $750 can be split between them.
A special thank you to the following churches for encouraging their congregations to participate in the SGO on behalf of Agape Christian Academy! If your church would like to know more about how to best communicate the SGO, please reach out to Doug Modic, d.modic@agapeca.com.
The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
