The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund: Turning Tax Dollars into Catholic Education
The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund, launched in 2022 by The Diocese of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools, represents a significant opportunity for Ohio taxpayers to support Catholic education while receiving a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. This initiative, capitalizing on a tax credit passed by the Ohio Legislature in 2021, directly benefits students attending diocesan Catholic schools and empowers donors to actively participate in funding Catholic education.
What is the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund?
The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund operates under the Diocesan Education Corporation (DEC) and holds the distinction of being the first certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) in Ohio, approved by the Ohio Attorney General. The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund (under the Diocesan Education Corporation) is certified as an SGO by the Ohio Attorney General.
Understanding Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs)
As defined by Ohio law, a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) must be a certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its primary function is to award scholarships to students attending primary and secondary schools, with a focus on assisting low-income students. As dictated by Ohio law, the funds raised by the SGO are to be used primarily for academic scholarships for students to attend K-12 schools and prioritized for low-income families.
How the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund Works
The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund creates much-needed scholarship dollars for Our Catholic Schools while giving donors the power to put their tax dollars to work to support Catholic education. The brilliance of the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund lies in its ability to convert tax dollars into scholarship opportunities for students attending diocesan Catholic schools. When Ohio taxpayers donate to the fund, they receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their Ohio income tax liability. As an Ohio taxpayer, when you donate to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund, you receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Ohio income tax liability-up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly. This means that donors can effectively choose how their Ohio tax dollars are utilized. Donors who make a gift to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund receive a dollar-for-dollar credit (not a deduction) on their Ohio income tax liability - up to $750 per person, or $1,500 if married filing jointly - effectively allowing them to make a choice about how their Ohio tax dollars are utilized.
Established by the Ohio Legislature in 2021, this tax credit supports the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund, a certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) of the Diocese of Columbus.
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Directing Your Donation
One of the key features of the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund is the ability for donors to restrict their gift for the benefit of one or more schools of their choosing. Additionally, you can choose to restrict your gift specifically for the benefit of St. Andrew School. Parishioners, family, and friends of St. Andrew can donate and directly designate St. Andrew School as the recipient of their donation. Please note on check that you would like your donation to go to St. Andrew School. Donors can restrict their gift for the benefit of one or more schools of their choosing (including St. Andrew School).
Benefits for Students and Schools
Funds donated to the SGO provide scholarships to help students attend diocesan Catholic schools, making a Catholic education accessible and affordable. While the SGO prioritizes low-income families, the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund ultimately benefits all students in Our Catholic Schools. However, ALL students in Our Catholic Schools have the potential to benefit from these scholarship funds. Even with the recent expansion to Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship program, financial need still exists for many families.
The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund creates essential scholarship opportunities for Catholic schools within the Diocese of Columbus, while empowering you to direct your tax dollars to support our mission of leading children to an encounter with Jesus Christ. Support St. Andrew School by donating to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund, turning your tax dollars into scholarships for students attending diocesan Catholic schools, including St. Andrew School.
How to Participate
Gifts can be made by anyone who values our Catholic schools and wants to help. As an Ohio resident, you can direct your tax dollars to support St. Francis DeSales High School by giving to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO.) By giving to the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund you will receive a dollar for dollar reduction of your Ohio tax liability when filing your 2024 taxes for any amount up to $750 per individual or $1500 for couples filing jointly. Convert Your Tax Dollars into Scholarship DollarsGive $750, Get $750 while supporting St. Francis DeSales High School with a dollar-for-dollar Ohio tax credit.
The Broader Impact: A Holistic Catholic Education
Beyond financial assistance, Catholic schools provide a well-rounded education that emphasizes spiritual growth, leadership development, and community involvement. Students participate in weekly Mass together, receive the sacraments regularly, and take leadership roles in devotional practices and community service projects.
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Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund vs. Diocesan Tuition Assistance Fund
While both the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund and the Diocesan tuition assistance fund support tuition assistance, it's important to note the differences. While both funds support tuition assistance, eligibility and award amounts vary.
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