Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)

If you pay Ohio income tax, YOU can help make a Mercy McAuley education more affordable for families AND earn a tax CREDIT at the same time!

How does this work?

The State of Ohio created a program that allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax CREDIT on their Ohio income taxes equal to the amount they donate to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Mercy McAuley is a member of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's SGO, which is called the Catholic Education Foundation.

If you are an Ohio taxpayer, you can claim a dollar-for-dollar, non-refundable tax CREDIT on your state income tax return (up to $750 per individual or up to $1,500 for joint filers*) if you make a qualified donation to Mercy McAuley through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's SGO.  As the donor, a tax CREDIT reduces the amount of Ohio income tax you are required to pay, which may be more beneficial to you. We encourage you to consult with your tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the tax credit and how it could benefit both you and Mercy McAuley High School. 

*According to a representative from the Ohio Department of Taxation, if you file a married joint return, each taxpayer needs to make a $750 contribution in their own name to claim the maximum tax credit of $1,500.

Two ways to make a qualified donation to Mercy McAuley:

  • ONLINE  - CLICK HERE and choose Mercy McAuley from the drop-down list of schools.

OR

  • MAIL - Complete the form FOUND HERE and mail your check (payable to CEF-SGO) and form to: Catholic Education Foundation - SGO, 100 East Eighth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

What is the deadline to make a gift to the SGO?

The Ohio SGO Income Tax Credit may be claimed for donations made on or before the unextended return due date (April 15, 2025), but the same contribution cannot be used to claim the credit in two tax years. You can make two donations before April 15; one for a credit on your 2024 taxes and one for a credit on your 2025 taxes. Consult with your tax advisor to determine which donation should apply to which year.

Your gift makes a big difference!

Gifts made to Mercy McAuley via the Catholic Education Foundation SGO will be used to help make a Mercy McAuley education more affordable for families, with priority given to students with financial need. Thank you for considering this easy way to help our students at NO COST to you!

Learn More

More information about the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's SGO (the Catholic Education Foundation) can be found HERE.

More information about SGO tax credits can also be found on the Ohio Department of Taxation website HERE.

Questions?

Contact Denise Bowman, Director of Advancement, at bowmand@mercymcauley.org or (513) 681-1800 x1134.