Western Reserve Academy participates in the Ohio Tax Credit program through the Ohio Association of Independent Schools Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), which collects contributions and distributes funds to schools like WRA for scholarships. These funds help make independent school education more accessible. These dollars directed to WRA support our students directly, young people whose curiosity and promise define the spirit of this place.
The Ohio General Assembly has established a program whereby Ohioans can receive a 100% tax credit against Ohio income tax liability for cash contributions to certified organizations that grant scholarships to students. Through the SGO program, Ohio tax-payers can receive a 100% state income tax credit — up to $750 for individuals or $1,500 for couples filing jointly — for contributions that fund need-based scholarships for students.
How It Works
It’s simple:
- Visit the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS) website for WRA and create or log in to your account.
Make your contribution online.
OAIS will send you a tax acknowledgment, which will provide documentation for your state tax return.
When you complete your Ohio income tax filing, you’ll receive a credit — dollar for dollar — against your tax liability, up to the limits stated above.
Why It Matters
For families, these scholarships can open doors that once felt closed. For our students, they mean the chance to learn, to question, to create, to belong to a community that believes in possibility.
For contributors, it’s an invitation to transform the ordinary act of paying taxes into something far more personal: an act of support for the next generation of thinkers and doers.
Frequently Asked Questions
An SGO is a certified nonprofit organization authorized by the State of Ohio to receive contributions and award scholarships to eligible students attending participating schools. The OAIS SGO serves member independent schools, including Western Reserve Academy.
A tax deduction reduces your taxable income. A tax credit directly reduces the amount you owe in state taxes, dollar for dollar. For example, a $750 contribution could reduce your Ohio tax liability by $750.
Any Ohio taxpayer with state income tax liability is eligible. Both individuals and couples filing jointly can participate.
You can contribute any amount, but the maximum credit is $750 per individual or $1,500 per couple filing jointly, or the total amount of your state tax liability, whichever is lower.
No. This program provides a way to redirect your Ohio state tax dollars, but is not considered a philanthropic contribution. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor for guidance.
We encourage our WRA community to contribute their regular philanthropic gifts, in addition to taking advantage of the OAIS SGO. The SGO is a tax opportunity that represents no additional cost to those making the contribution. The WRA Fund and the Ohio SGO tax credit programs both serve an important purpose, but together they contribute to the success of WRA students.
Since the dollars are contributed to OAIS for this tax credit, this cannot be used to fulfill an existing pledge to WRA. Likewise, donations made directly to WRA are not eligible for the credit.
Yes! Complete the form online and indicate that you are paying by check. All checks should be made payable to OAIS SGO and mailed to:
OAIS SGO
P.O. Box 492
Granville, OH 43023
No. Any individual who pays taxes to the State of Ohio can participate in this program. We encourage family members, friends, and other supporters of WRA to take advantage of this opportunity to support our students.
No. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the OAIS SGO does not accept contributions that are designated for specific students.
Donations can be made at any time throughout the year. Donations made between January 1st and the state tax filing deadline in April may be applied to Ohio tax returns for the current year or immediate past year. Each donor is responsible for determining when they want to claim their Ohio tax credit and should consult a tax professional, as necessary.
Remember that this is a tax credit, not a tax deduction. Any Ohio state taxes that are withheld by your employer are part of your tax liability. Review your previous state tax liability, which can be found on form 1040 IT, line 8c to help estimate the amount of your Ohio tax liability for this year against which the credit can be taken.
Tax documentation of your contribution will be sent to you by OAIS. WRA is not able to provide a tax receipt for this transaction. If you need an additional copy of your receipt, please contact [email protected].
Ready to Get Started?
Redirect your Ohio tax dollars to empower a WRA student today.