Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)

There is a great way to support Roger Bacon High School. Roger Bacon is a member of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) which has been certified by the State of Ohio as a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). By donating to Roger Bacon through the CEF-SGO, you can receive an Ohio income non-refundable tax credit up to $750 per individual or $1,500 per joint Ohio tax return. [Please note: When filing jointly, each individual is limited to a $750 donation.]

Please join us in this exciting opportunity! It is our hope you will take advantage of this new legislation in addition to your support of the annual fund drive. As always, please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation.

For specific questions about the CEF-SGO in regards to Roger Bacon, please contact our Treasurer/Business Manager, Mike Engel at mengel@rogerbacon.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I give to Roger Bacon through the CEF-SGO?

• To give ONLINE, click here and choose Roger Bacon High School when selecting a school.
• To give VIA MAIL, click here to fill out the form and mail your check (payable to CEF-SGO) and form to: Catholic Education Foundation – SGO, 100 East Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

What is the CEF-SGO?

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is an accredited 501(c)3 and has been certified by Ohio as a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). In keeping with the mission of the CEF and the regulations of a SGO, the CEF-SGO provides financial need-based scholarships to students in grades K-12 within the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Why donate to Roger Bacon using the CEF-SGO?

Supporting students and their formation through Catholic education at Roger Bacon High School is a great way to share our blessings and faith with younger generations. You can direct your money to go to Roger Bacon High School, and the CEF-SGO may allow for Catholic education supporters to receive a tax credit for their generosity. Ohio taxpayers who donate to SGOs may be able to claim a dollar-for-dollar, non-refundable tax credit on their state income tax return for up to $750 per donor or $1,500 if married and filing jointly. See section 5747.73 of the Ohio Revised Code. Consult with your tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the tax credit, its value to you, and the details of your gift.

Do I need to donate by December 31, 2024?

No. The Ohio budget passed in July added a provision to allow for nonrefundable Ohio tax credits for SGO donations for the 2024 tax year to be made until April 15, 2025. This means that a donor could give to the SGO up to April 15, 2025 and still have the tax credit applied to the 2024 tax year. Those tax credits remain at $750 per individual/$1,500 for married
filing jointly.

Will I receive an acknowledgement of my gift?

Shortly after your gift has been received and processed, the CEF-SGO will mail a gift acknowledgement letter to you. This letter can serve as documentation for a non-refundable Ohio income tax credit when you prepare your Ohio income tax return. You will also receive a receipt via email shortly after your online donation (please check spam/junk folder if it doesn’t appear in your inbox). The CEF-SGO will also notify Roger Bacon of your gift so it can be properly acknowledged as well. Roger Bacon will send a separate acknowledgement for your SGO donation but please use the letter from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as you documentation for the tax credit.

May I designate my contribution to a specific student at Roger Bacon or to the Roger Bacon Annual Fund or to a named scholarship fund?

No, we are not able to accept donations for a specific student, and you cannot direct your donation as your Annual Fund gift or as a gift to a particular named scholarship fund. We ask that your gift(s) to the CEF-SGO be over and above your current support of Roger Bacon High School.

My spouse and I would like to make a $1,500 contribution to the SGO. Can we write one check or make one contribution online and receive the $1,500 credit? Under the direction of the State of Ohio, married taxpayers must make two separate $750 donations, one in each person's name, in order to be eligible for the full $1,500 tax credit. A single donation made for $1,500 will be limited by the State of Ohio to a $750 tax credit.

I made a $750 gift to the Catholic Education Foundation SGO to benefit students in 2024. When I file my 2024 Ohio return, the total tax liability is $300. How much can I deduct from my Ohio tax liability? The credit can be applied to the amount of the Ohio tax liability with a maximum amount of $750. Your Ohio tax liability is $300, which is the amount you can deduct. The remains $450 cannot be used as a cash refund or to be rolled over into the following tax year.