Redirect Your Ohio Tax Dollars to Support Catholic Education
Your Donation Can Directly Impact the Schools in the Diocese of Youngstown
Keep Your Tax Dollars Local
by Supporting Catholic Education
by Supporting Catholic Education
The Diocese of Youngstown established the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund, certified under Ohio law, to make Catholic education more accessible while giving taxpayers a say in where their dollars go.
Through This Program:
You choose where your tax dollars go
Instead of your tax dollars entering a general pool, you can choose which Catholic School you wish to support.
You benefit too
Every donation qualifies for a dollar-for-dollar Ohio income tax credit.
Students gain opportunities
Your support provides access to a high-quality Catholic education, regardless of a family’s financial background.
Schools grow stronger
With more resources, Catholic schools across the Diocese of Youngstown can expand programs and enrich learning for students.
Your gift isn’t just a donation
It’s a chance to transform lives, strengthen our schools, and shape the future of our Diocese.
Your Donation Impacts:
How to Make a Donation to The Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund
1. Estimate you Ohio tax liability
The scholarship is capped at the lesser of your Ohio state tax liability OR $750 per taxpayer ($1,500 for married filing jointly).
2. Make Your Donation
Visit our donation page to give online OR download a contribution form and mail payments to: Office of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503.
3. Claim your scholarship tax credit when you file your State of Ohio income tax return
You may be asked to submit your donation receipt. The credit is entered on the Ohio Tax Return Schedule of Credits, line 15. Donations made by April 15th can be counted for the previous year’s taxes.
This does not constitute income tax advice. Always consult a tax professional for information on the impact of any charitable donation.
4. Accept the thanks and appreciation of families and students who will benefit
How to Contribute to a School of Your Choice
When making a donation you can make an undesignated contribution that supports schools and students in the area of greatest need across the Diocese of Youngstown, OR a contribution that is designated to benefit students at a specific Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown. When making a donation select “Contribution Given To Your Designated School”, then select the school of your choice.
Why Does This Scholarship Matter When Ohio Offers Private Education Vouchers?
The State of Ohio offers vouchers for private education programs, but Catholic schools still need community support to thrive. The Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund makes the difference:
Not All Families Qualify for Vouchers
Every family in the Diocese of Youngstown can be impacted through this fund.
Vouchers Rarely Cover the Full Cost of Catholic Education
Our scholarship bridges the gaps for families that need extra assistance to support their child’s education.
Supports Catholic Schools’ Future
Voucher programs can change with legislation, but this fund provides stable, long-term support for Catholic education throughout the Diocese of Youngstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund?
The Diocese of Youngstown established the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund and has been certified by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as a Scholarship Granting Organization.
Donors can make contributions to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund, which will be used to award scholarships to eligible students attending a Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown. Donors may designate a school to funnel their support. The Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund, like any Scholarship Granting Organization, is required by applicable law to prioritize awarding scholarships to students from “low-income families” (under 300% of the poverty threshold), but otherwise, the law does not place limits on which K-12 schools may be served or the number of scholarships that may be awarded.
This program holds tremendous potential for supporting our efforts to ensure the viability of our Catholic schools throughout the Diocese for our students.
Who will benefit from the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund?
Families can apply to receive scholarships, thus allowing more students to be able to seek a Catholic school education. Donors benefit by receiving a tax credit against their Ohio income tax liability equal to their contribution up to a maximum limit of $750 per person per year or $1,500 if married filing jointly. (A donor should estimate their Ohio tax liability as the credit is capped at the lesser of their Ohio state tax liability or $750 per person per year (or $1,500 for married filing jointly.)
Will Good Samaritan Scholarships be awarded to students who are not considered low income?
All students attending a Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown can apply for a Good Samaritan Scholarship. While applicants that are under 300% of the poverty threshold will be prioritized (in 2023-2024 this is $90,000 for a family of four), applicants that are over this threshold will still be considered for a Good Samaritan Scholarship, based on availability of funds, with the primary criteria for awarding scholarships being financial need.
Who can contribute to the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund?
Anyone. However, only those persons with Ohio tax liability may be eligible for the tax credit.
May a donor designate a Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund contribution to a specific student?
No. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund does not accept contributions designated for specific students.
