Allocate your Ohio taxes to scholarships for Christian schools!
Make a contribution prior to 04/15/2026 using the instructions below.
You have the potential to give an Ohio student a life-giving opportunity to attend a high-quality Christian school that otherwise might be unaffordable to his or her family. Even better, you can do it at no cost to yourself.
At Awaken Church, we have 10 students Tree of Life Christian Schools, 9 students at Worthington Christian School, and 1 student at Ancient Paths Christian Academy… and more students will be enrolling in these schools next fall.
Instead of sending your Ohio taxes to the state, every Ohioan can directly give to the scholarship fund of 1 or more Christian schools!
The Ohio General Assembly has established a program whereby Ohioans can receive a 100% tax credit against Ohio income tax liability for contributions to certified organizations that grant scholarships to students (scholarship granting organizations, or SGOs). The maximum credit amount is currently $750 for individuals and $1,500 for married couples filing jointly (husband & wife must make separate $750.00 donations or both be listed on a combined donation).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make Your Donation:
Calculate your Ohio income tax liability (see chart at the bottom of this page).
Give money to the Ohio Christian Education Network SGO (feel free to support the scholarship funds of Awaken connected schools by giving to one or more of the schools listed above).
To claim the maximum $1,500 credit as a couple, both spouses must make separate $750 donations or add both names to a combined donation.
Receive Your Receipt:
The SGO will send you a gift acknowledgment letter or receipt (via email).
This letter serves as your proof, listing your name, donation amount, and date.
Complete Your Ohio Tax Return:
Fill out your Ohio IT 1040.
Enter the donation amount on Line 15, Schedule of Credits.
Designate the SGO, not the specific school or student, for the credit.
Attach Documentation:
Attach the SGO's gift acknowledgment letter to your Ohio IT 1040.
Key Things to Remember
Credit Limit: Up to $750 per individual, $1,500 for married couples filing jointly.
Deadline: Gifts made by the tax filing deadline (including extensions) count for the previous year.
Tax Liability: The credit reduces your state tax liability; you won't get a refund if your liability is less than the credit amount.
No Double-Dipping: You can't claim the credit and a federal deduction for the same gift.
Use the chart below from the Ohio Department of Taxation to determine your tax liability if you know your Ohio Taxable Income amount.
Taxable state income can be found on page 2 of your state income tax return (Ohio IT 1040) line 13. A review of last year’s tax payments will help determine your maximum gift amount.
2025 Ohio Income Tax Calculation:
$0-$26,050 = $0.00
$26,051 – $100,000 = $360.69 + 2.75% of excess over $26,050
$100,001+ = $2,394.32 + 3.50% of excess over $100,000
Married couples with combined salaries over $67,636 should qualify for $1500 in tax liability.
Individuals with salaries over $40,363 should qualify for $750 in tax liability.
If you have any questions, we invite you to reach out to Jimmy Schoenfeld at jimmy@awakencolumbus.com or (614) 584-2315).