Submitted by Rockwern Academy
Since 2021, Ohio has made available a tax credit that allows individuals to donate to scholarships for K-12 students and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Ohio income taxes. This provides a valuable opportunity to support Cincinnati’s Jewish schools, including Rockwern Academy and Chai Tots Early Childhood Center, at no expense to the donor.
Donations to the schools must be made through a certified scholarship granting organization (SGO) to qualify for this tax credit. This program allows Ohio taxpayers to contribute up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for joint filers (provided that their tax liability, irrespective of withholdings, exceeds those amounts) and claim this 100% tax credit on their state income tax return. Individuals interested in participating should consult their tax advisor and review their total Ohio tax liability on line 10 of their Ohio 1040 form.
Taxpayers can donate to an SGO by April 15, 2026, and elect to include that donation on their 2025 Ohio tax return. This enables donors to donate very close to the tax filing date.
Rabbi Laura Baum, Head of School at Rockwern Academy, said, “This program gives our community a powerful opportunity to support Jewish education at no cost to donors. It’s a meaningful way to invest in the next generation, strengthening Jewish life in Cincinnati.”
Rockwern Academy and Chai Tots Early Childhood Center each participate and are excited about the opportunity to provide scholarship funds so that more students can attend. Collectively, the schools have raised more than $236,000 for scholarships through this program, helping more families access Jewish day school education.
Because each Ohio taxpayer can participate annually, the program’s impact grows as more people learn about it. One of the most meaningful ways to help is simply by sharing this opportunity with friends, family and colleagues who pay Ohio state taxes. This tax season, you can turn your tax dollars into scholarships and help ensure that Jewish education continues to thrive in Cincinnati.
More information, including links to donate, is available on the websites for Rockwern Academy and Chai Tots Early Childhood Center. Donors should use the link on the school’s webpage to be eligible for a full credit.
After donors make a gift, they should submit the receipt with their Ohio tax return and indicate the donation on line 15 of the Ohio Schedule of Adjustments on the 2025 IT 1040 tax form. Those interested in the SGO tax credit can contact a tax advisor or any of the schools with questions.
