The OCEN SGO Scholarship
Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization
Students of Heritage Classical Academy in our Kindergarten or higher grade full-time Academy program can now apply for a scholarship through the Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization (OCEN SGO). These scholarships are funded through the generous gifts of members of our school community!
There is no fee to apply for a scholarship from OCEN. Students must be enrolled in our full-time Academy program to qualify for OCEN SGO scholarship awards. While all students are eligible to apply for and receive a scholarship, awards will be prioritized for students with a demonstrated financial need. Award amounts may vary. OCEN will notify the applicant of scholarship awards. There is a six-week processing period after an application is submitted. OCEN (not Heritage Classical Academy) will notify applicants regarding scholarship awards after this time.
Contribute to the SGO
Friends of Heritage Classical Academy now have a cost-free way to make a significant contribution to our students. The state of Ohio has initiated a new state tax credit for taxpayers who make a contribution to HCA through the Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization (OCEN SGO), which will then be designated for scholarships for Heritage students. Here are the details:
For gifts up to $750 for individuals and $1500 for married couples filing jointly, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit to use during the current tax year. In other words, students at HCA receive the benefit of your gift at essentially no cost to you.
Since the tax credit is granted per taxpayer, married couples filing jointly may receive up to $1,500 in credit if both spouses make a $750 donation in their individual names.
Your tax preparer may know this as the “Scholarship Donation Credit,” and if you file on your own, most self‑prepare tax platforms refer to it using this same name.
Once a gift is claimed as a state tax credit, it is not eligible to be claimed as a federal deduction if the taxpayers itemizes.
Click here to donate. Be sure to select Heritage Classical Academy-Pepper Pike in the drop-down menu so that your entire contribution will be designated for scholarships at our school. OCEN SGO will provide you with a gift receipt.
Your contribution will provide scholarships to students at HCA, especially benefiting students with a demonstrated financial need.
Spread the Word
This opportunity is not limited to HCA parents. Anyone who pays Ohio state taxes—grandparents, friends, extended family, and community members—can contribute to OCEN SGO and designate their gift to benefit Heritage Classical Academy.
The more individuals who participate, the more scholarship dollars become available to bless our students.
We encourage you to share this meaningful opportunity widely.
FAQ’s:
-
Your OCEN SGO donation can be claimed when you file your Ohio taxes. Gifts made through April 15th can be retroactively applied to the previous year’s taxes. The credit is a dollar-to-dollar reduction in your state tax liability up to $750 per taxpayer. A married couple filing jointly can claim a credit of up to $1500. To receive the full tax credit, you must have an Ohio tax liability equal to or greater than the amount of the credit. To claim the credit, enter the donation amount on line 15 of the Ohio Schedule of Credits.
-
Yes. The tax credit is on a per-individual taxpayer basis. Married couples can receive two separate $750-deductions, totaling $1,500. To receive the maximum credit, spouses must list both of their names on the donation form so that a gift over $750 can be split between them.
-
Heritage will accept donations year-round.
-
You may do so! In that case, the first $750 will be granted a $750 state tax credit, and the amount of the gift beyond the initial $750 may be claimed as a federal and state tax deduction. Consult with your tax specialist to review your specific tax situation. In the meantime, find more information here.