Your donation fundsa child's education
In many states, a scholarship tax credit can offset some or all of a gift for an eligible taxpayer. How much a credit covers depends on that state's rules and your tax situation. Check with a tax professional before you give.
How SGO donations work
A straightforward process with a powerful impact.
Find an SGO in your state
Browse our directory to find a Scholarship Granting Organization in your state that aligns with your values.
Make your donation
Contact the SGO directly or use their online donation form. Donations can be cash, check, or credit card depending on the SGO.
Receive your tax credit receipt
The SGO sends you a receipt confirming your donation qualifies for the state tax credit program.
Claim your credit
File your state income tax return and claim the credit. In most states it is dollar-for-dollar, up to the annual cap.
Estimate your maximum individual income tax credit
Select a tax year, your state, and filing status to see the maximum federal and state tax credits available for SGO donations.
Credits are non-refundable — they reduce your tax liability but cannot generate a refund. Credit amounts shown are for the 2026 tax year. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Maximum tax credit breakdown (2026)
Caps shown for Single filers. Credit percentage and caps vary by state and may change year to year.
States with Scholarship Tax Credit Programs
21 states with SGO programs · 27 federal-only states
Corporate giving with real ROI
Many states offer separate corporate tax credit caps for SGO donations — often higher than individual limits. Your company can fund scholarships while dramatically reducing your state tax liability.
- Higher annual caps than individual donations
- Counts as a charitable contribution
- Strengthen your community impact story
- Available in most SGO program states
Common donor questions
- Is an SGO donation the same as a regular charitable donation?
- Not quite. An SGO is a nonprofit, but a gift that earns a state tax credit is generally treated as a payment toward your state tax, not a charitable deduction. Depending on the state, the credit can be worth up to 100% of the gift, subject to state limits. Starting in 2027, a gift to an SGO on a participating state's list can also earn a federal credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer: $1,700 for a single filer and $3,400 for married couples filing jointly, reduced by any state credit claimed for the same gift. Ask your tax advisor how this applies to you.
- Can I direct my donation to a specific student?
- Federal law prohibits donors from directing contributions to a specific student. You can choose which SGO receives your donation, but the SGO awards scholarships through their own selection process.
- Do I need to itemize to claim the credit?
- No. State tax credits are claimed on your state return, and the federal credit starting in 2027 is claimed on your federal return. Neither requires itemizing deductions.
- What if my state does not have an SGO program?
- You can still give to an SGO in another state, but you generally won't get a state tax credit unless you owe tax in that state. Starting in 2027, the federal credit follows the SGO's state, not yours. A gift to an SGO on a participating state's list can earn up to $1,700 per taxpayer, wherever you live: $1,700 for a single filer and $3,400 for married couples filing jointly.
- How do I know an SGO is legitimate?
- Listings are drawn from state-published lists where those lists are available. A listing is not an accreditation or a certification by SGOlist. You can also check your state's department of revenue or education for its official list.
Ready to make an impact?
Find a Scholarship Granting Organization in your state and start funding K-12 scholarships. A state credit can offset some or all of a gift for an eligible taxpayer — check with a tax professional.