Counting SGO's impact

The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) of Indiana reports that the 18 Lutheran schools in northeast Indiana raised more than $260,000 in donations to support scholarships for students during the 2012–2013 school year.Why is this important? Let us count the ways ...1. More than 200 donations qualified for the State Scholarship Tax Credit (SGO credit), and donors were able to reduce or eliminate their state tax bill, or receive a refund of state taxes they have already paid.2. Some donations allowed for a reduced quarterly estimated tax payment.3. More than 200 donations allowed individuals, self-employed, partners, and corporations to save on their state taxes.4. More than 200 donations were also eligible for the usual federal tax deduction.5. More than 200 donations maximized giving programs to best help area Lutheran schools.Thanks to these donors, 323 students received SGO scholarships.Why is this important? Let us count the ways ...1. 323 students who otherwise might not have were able to attend area Lutheran schools.2. 323 scholarships ranged from $300 to more than $4,000, depending on family need.3. 323 students are now eligible to receive SGO scholarships at any time in the future (as long as they meet the SGO Scholarship criteria).4. 323 students are eligible to receive an Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) at any time in the future (as long as they meet the voucher criteria).5. Hundreds of students will experience a quality, Christian education that has been a hallmark of area Lutheran schools for over 100 years.The eligibility for students to receive SGO scholarships in the 2013-2014 has expanded. Therefore, our area Lutheran schools have set goals to raise nearly $800,000 in SGO dollars.Why is this important? Let us count the ways ...1. Area schools will need your help raising the needed funds.2. Any earned tax credits can roll over to subsequent years.3. Many schools will be converting their existing tuition-assistance efforts into SGO efforts.4. Many donors will realize that they can support their schools even more than in the past when considering the SGO tax credit and the federal deduction.5. If you want to support SGO scholarships, but don't have a connection to an area school, you can donate to the General Fund that helps all the schools.6. Many more donors will come to know the joy of making a Lutheran education possible for families that otherwise couldn't send their children to an area Lutheran school.Reminder: You can find more information on SGOs and the Lutheran SGO of Indiana—donation forms, FAQs, the remaining tax credits statewide, etc.—at our website: www.LutheranSGO.org. You can also call us at (260) 203-4509 or email us at info@LutheranSGO.org.