Last verified: October 2026
Which scholarship granting organizations serve Columbus families?
The Attorney General's certified list includes several based in the metro: the Diocesan Education Corporation and the Ohio Scholarship Fund (Columbus), the Ohio Christian Education Network SGO (Columbus), the Ohio Association of Independent Schools SGO (Granville), Northside Christian Scholarship Fund (Westerville), the Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict Scholarship Fund, and the Waldorf Method Education Scholarship Association (listed under The Juniper School's name in 2025). The Diocese of Columbus directs families to its Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund.
Each SGO sets its own application and award rules, usually through the school.
How does the Ohio SGO tax credit work for donors?
An Ohio taxpayer who gives to a certified SGO can reduce state income tax dollar for dollar, up to $750 a year, or $1,500 for a married couple filing jointly. Gifts made by April 15 can be claimed on the previous year's return. Grandparents and church members often use it to support a particular school's scholarship pool.
Can an SGO scholarship be combined with EdChoice?
SGO awards are private scholarships, so a school can apply one to a balance that EdChoice leaves. Because each school and SGO set their own policies, ask the school's business office how it orders the two.
| Ohio SGO credit | Federal scholarship credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit size | Up to $750 ($1,500 joint) | Up to $1,700 per taxpayer |
| Starts | In place since 2021 | Gifts made on or after January 1, 2027 |
| Certifies the SGOs | Ohio Attorney General | The state's submitted list to the IRS |
| Family eligibility | Set by each SGO, low-income priority | Household income up to 300% of area median income |