Why CEN built an SGO for Christian schools
A scholarship granting organization is the vehicle the law uses. An SGO collects donor gifts and turns them into scholarships for K – 12 students. For schools to receive these funds from the new tax credit, they must be a member of an SGO.
CEN SGO is the national SGO built exclusively for Evangelical and Catholic schools. Our SGO is led by former Heads of Christian schools to serve Christian schools. The gifts, the schools, and the mission are aligned. Donors who want to support Christian schools can feel good about donating to an SGO that exclusively serves Christian schools. Schools that teach a Biblical worldview have a network that shares their mission.
Built on a proven model
This is not an untested idea. CEN SGO is built on a proven Ohio model. The team behind it has managed a successful scholarship granting organization in Ohio for years, with a real record of scholarships awarded to families who needed them. The federal program takes a model that already worked at the state level and opens it to the whole country.
That track record matters because it answers the first question a careful donor or head of school asks: has anyone actually done this? The answer is yes. The Ohio work showed the approach is sound. The federal credit gives it national reach.
The opportunity it provides
For families, the opportunity is affordability. A child can attend a school that grows their faith and character, where before cost would have put it out of reach.
For schools, the opportunity is stability and growth. It provides access to families who can now afford tuition. It also provides revenue to fully fund actual costs, and the ability to reinvest in teachers and students. See How the SGO gives Christian schools room to fully fund their costs.
For donors in the Christian community, the opportunity is a way to invest in a child’s future at no extra cost, supporting schools that teach Biblical principles. See For grandparents: investing in a child’s future and faith at no extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Why does CEN SGO focus on Christian schools?
CEN SGO is the national scholarship granting organization exclusively built for Evangelical and Catholic schools. The focus keeps donors, participating schools, and the mission of Christian education aligned.
Is this a brand-new and untested program?
Giving opens in January 2027. Right now is the time for schools to join and for donors to sign up to be notified.
When does the opportunity become real?
The federal credit is not live until tax year 2027. Giving opens in January 2027. Right now is the time for schools to join and for donors to sign up to be notified.
It’s time to get involved
The opportunity is real, and the timing is now. Schools can join and supporters can sign up to give the moment the window opens.
To learn how you can join CEN SGO, go to: Registering your school with CEN: what it involves and what you get, and Resources.
