Ohio’s oldest co-educational, non-sectarian independent day school.
Giving
Supporting Ridgewood
Ridgewood School depends upon gifts and donations to supplement tuition for our general operating fund and to offer scholarship assistance to students who could not otherwise afford a Ridgewood education.
Costs and Value per Student
According to U.S. Census Bureau 2016 data the local and federal governments spent $14,348 per Ohio student for education. We receive only nominal funding from the government to support our School operations. Yet Ridgewood continues to offer an affordable tuition price.
Ridgewood students rank, historically, in the upper tenth percentile nationally in all standardized testing of students at secondary education levels and at college entrance examination levels.
A Ridgewood education is, literally, the greatest educational value within the Miami Valley area.
Gifts to Ridgewood can be made in a multitude of ways. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and will be acknowledged promptly in writing for tax purposes.
We appreciate your consideration in donating to Ridgewood School.
Click below to find out more about the 3 ways to give to Ridgewood.
Ways to Give
OAIS SGO Panthers
Scholarship
Are you aware the the Ohio Department of Taxation provides a credit for donations made to scholarship funds? It does!
An Ohio resident who contributes to a scholarship granting organization may receive a nonrefundable tax credit up to $750 on their Ohio income tax returns. A couple filing jointly may claim a credit of $1,500 if each contributes $750 in his or her name. If a taxpayer donates more than the taxpayer's income tax liability, the credit will reduce the taxpayer's liability to zero (it will not create a refund.)
It is important to note that this is a tax credit and not a tax deduction. A tax deduction reduces the total amount of your taxable income. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar credit against the taxes you have paid or will owe to the state of Ohio.
If you wish to take advantage of this provision and support Ridgewood School, make your contribution to the Ohio Association of Independent School Scholarship Granting Organization and earmark your contribution for Ridgewood School. Your donation will be forwarded directly to Ridgewood. Thank you!
01
What are SGOs (Scholarship Granting Organization)?
SGOs are tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations that collect donations on behalf of participating schools who want to provide scholarships. Each SGO and participating school determines the application and award process according to Ohio laws and guidelines.
02
What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax liability on the tax return. A deduction only reduces the taxable income and does not result in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the tax liability.
03
Is there a cap on the amount I can contribute to the OAIS SGO?
A: $750 ($1,500 if married filing jointly) is the cap for the tax credit.
04
Does this donation apply to both state and federal returns?
A: Yes! You will receive a CREDIT on your state tax return and a DEDUCTION on your federal tax return, when you file Schedule A for itemized deductions.
05
I've heard that donating this money is a wash for my finances. Is this true?
Yes! This is a redirecting of state tax. Your SGO donation is a redirection of the taxes you owe the state.
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How can I make a donation to OAIS SGO?
Donations can be made securely online at oais.gosgo.co/donations/new.
Ridgewood School recommends discussing your SGO contribution with your tax advisor before making your donation.
The Ridgewood Fund
Benefits Every Student
All donations to our annual fund, The Ridgewood Fund, are put to immediate use supporting our integrated STEM curricula, co-curricular activities, scholarship assistance, and strategic priorities of the current school year. Every student benefits from every gift to The Ridgewood Fund. You may designate your gift to support our Arts, Curricular Innovation, Faculty Development, Scholarships, Sustainable Environmental Projects, Area of Greatest Impact, or a different area that is important to you.
Annual Giving
The very best independent schools in the country have the strongest participation in their Annual Funds. As an independent school, tuition alone does not fully cover the costs associated with providing an outstanding education. The Ridgewood Fund helps “bridge the gap” between tuition and the actual cost of a Ridgewood education. Whether your donation is $10, $100 or $10,000, your donation will make a profound impact on every aspect of every students’ daily school experience. Every dollar counts. Every gift matters. Every donor makes a difference! Please participate at whatever level you are able and make this your annual habit.
Giving Levels
Integrity Circle: $25+
Creativity Circle: $100+
Diversity Circle: $250+
Inspiration Circle: $500+
Joy of Learning Circle: $1,000+
Give Anytime
The Ridgewood Fund begins July 1 and continues through June 30 every year. Cash, check, credit card, securities and corporate matching gifts are all accepted. Please check with your employer to see if they have a matching-gift program. For more information, please contact Aliya Ranginwala at 937.399.8900 or aranginwala@ridgewoodschool.org.
Click HERE to donate!
Legacy Giving
Planned gifts are designated in many different ways. The most common is a bequest by designating Ridgewood School in your will. Other contributors choose to convert funds such as purchasing a life insurance policy or designating retirement assets that name the school as a beneficiary. A simple Statement of Gift Intent is completed to indicate the purpose of your gift. For more information, please contact Aliya Ranginwala at 937.399.8900 or aranginwala@ridgewoodschool.org.
The H. S. Kissell Legacy Society provides you an opportunity to ensure Ridgewood School’s future and allows us to thank you at the time you plan for ours.
Business Partners in Education
Our Business Partners in Education contribute critical, financial support enabling Ridgewood School to provide academic excellence to students in our tri-county region. We are very grateful for their strong commitment to our century-old mission. Please support our wonderful Business Partners that are featured on the following pages.
Volunteering
At Ridgewood School, we recognize that not all gifts to our school are financial. Just as valuable to a successful Ridgewood experience are gifts of time and talent. Ridgewood School welcomes volunteer time from parents, grandparents, and community members who wish to support the Ridgewood experience.
Please contact the main office, 937-399-8900, to discuss how you can support Ridgewood.