Giving

Ohio Tax Credit (SGO)

Support LRA Students & Reduce Your Taxes: It's a Win-Win!

Did you know you can directly support Lake Ridge Academy students and programs while lowering your Ohio taxes? It's true!
Through the Ohio Association of Independent Schools Scholarship Granting Organization (OAIS SGO), Ohio taxpayers can receive a tax credit of up to $750 per individual or $1,500 per couple for donations to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations like OAIS SGO.
How It Works!

List of 4 items.

  • Estimate Your Ohio Tax Liability

    Review line 8C on last year's 1040 form.

  • Create SGO Account

    Create an account on the Ohio SGO website; it only takes a minute! 

  • Contribute

    Simply designate Lake Ridge Academy to redirect your tax dollars to our SGO.
    Contribute Now!

  • Claim Your Tax Credit!

    When you complete your Ohio income tax return, include your receipt to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $750 for single-filers, and $1,500 for joint filers.

  • Sheri Terens, CPA

    By contributing to the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), you’re opening doors and shaping brighter futures for Lake Ridge Academy students and reducing your state tax liability at the same time.  You can contribute up to $750 per individual, $1,500 if married, and receive a reduction in your tax liability when you file your return.  The contribution also counts as a federal charitable contribution if you itemize.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Caitlin Miller, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, at (440) 327-1175 ext 9113, millerc@lakeridgeacademy.org, or schedule a time to meet!

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • How do I support Lake Ridge Academy?

    Lake Ridge Academy is part of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), which has set up its own SGO. This means that when you contribute to help our students, you can also qualify for tax credits.

    This isn’t just a regular charitable donation; it’s a way to lower your Ohio state tax bill. Simply put, you can choose to pay taxes to Ohio or help a Lake Ridge Academy student. It’s a win-win: you reduce your tax bill while supporting a student at Lake Ridge Academy. 

  • What is a scholarship granting organization (SGO)?

    Scholarship Granting Organizations are special groups that collect donations to help schools give scholarships to students who qualify. Each SGO and the schools they work with decide how to handle scholarship applications and awards based on Ohio laws.

  • What is OAIS?

    The Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS) represents independent schools in Ohio, providing support through professional development, advocacy, and networking. It aims to enhance education quality and promote best practices. OAIS also raises awareness of independent education's value and manages the funds for the SGO Tax Credit Program.

  • What is the benefit of an SGO?

    When you donate to a certified SGO (like OAIS), you can get a tax credit on your Ohio state tax return. The Ohio General Assembly established this program to allow Ohioans to receive a tax credit of up to $750 for individuals or $1,500 for married couples who donate to certified SGOs. This credit is only for people who owe taxes in Ohio.

  • When should I contribute?

    To be eligible for the tax credit on your 2024 Ohio taxes, you must make the full contribution (a maximum of $750 per individual/$1,500 per couple) prior to filing your 2024 taxes or until April 14, 2025, whichever comes first.

  • How does a tax deduction differ from a tax credit?

    A tax deduction lowers the amount of income that is taxed. A tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe to Ohio, dollar for dollar, up to certain limits. Donations to SGOs go to the Ohio Association of Independent Schools and are specifically for Lake Ridge Academy, not for the state.
37501 Center Ridge Road
North Ridgeville, OH 44039
Tel: (440) 327-1175
Fax: (440) 327-3641
Lake Ridge Academy is the only independent college preparatory school on Cleveland's west side. Our co-educational curriculum offers a unique blend of academics, extracurricular activities, and a focus on character development, all on our beautiful 93-acre campus. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, our devoted faculty provides personalized attention to help every student thrive.