Supporting Saint Ignatius High School has become a winning opportunity for taxpayers in the State of Ohio. In 2021, the State passed legislation that offers a tax credit of up to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for married couples filing jointly who make donations to certified scholarship granting organizations. Through the Saint Ignatius High School Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), also known as the Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund, donors can enjoy significant tax benefits while advancing the school’s mission to make a Saint Ignatius education affordable to all admitted students. Donations made to the SGO are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to the limits above or the amount of the tax liability. Your contribution directly funds need-based scholarships for students at Welsh Academy and Saint Ignatius High School.
Best of all, making a donation is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
The State of Ohio tax liability on Line 8c is not the same as an income tax refund or income tax payment. It is the amount of the liability before considering withholdings or SGO donations to arrive at the refund or payment amount. For example, if a donor was expected to receive an income tax refund before donating, they would simply receive an even larger refund after making their SGO donation.
Even better - the State of Ohio now allows all donations made by April 15 to count towards the previous calendar year’s tax return. This allows donors the opportunity to determine their exact liability before making a donation. All donations made by April 15, 2025 will be permitted to count as SGO tax credits on the donor’s 2024 State of Ohio tax return.
Please note that tax credits are only available for gifts made directly to the SGO. Gifts to the school’s Annual Fund are not eligible for a tax credit.
SGO donations are flexible. You can make a one-time contribution or a recurring monthly contribution. The donor is personally responsible for maintaining the contribution acknowledgement used to claim the tax credit for the State of Ohio. You can donate online at ignatius.edu/ wildcat-fund or by sending a contribution directly to the Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund, 1911 W. 30th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113.
“We are fortunate that the State of Ohio allows taxpayers the opportunity to direct their own tax dollars. Every dollar donated to
the Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund is used to fund tuition assistance for low-income students at both Saint Ignatius and Welsh Academy. It’s a “win-win” because the school receives extra funds for tuition assistance while the individual is given a tax credit - which ultimately means the donor receives their donation dollars back. In addition, because donors have until April 15 to make a donation and be able to count it towards the previous year’s Ohio tax return, all donors can calculate their actual tax liability before making their donation to both ensure they can take advantage of the tax credit while also lessening the time for receiving the funds back from the State. Every taxpayer whose liability exceeds the State’s thresholds should consider making a donation to the Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund!” says Patti Walcutt, CPA, Vice President Administration and Chief Financial Officer for Saint Ignatius High School.
If you have any questions on the Wildcat Ohio Tax Credit Fund or other ways to give, contact the Advancement Office at 216-651-0222.