Scholarship Granting Organization

Commonly called an “SGO Scholarship,” the Scholarship Granting Organization provides tuition assistance to families to help cover the cost of private school tuition.

Affording a Catholic education may be easier than you think.

Funded by private, charitable donations, the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana (SGONEI) was founded in 2011 to provide families with scholarships to attend schools in Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Our 43 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend partner with the Institute for Quality Education as the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana. Since its founding in 2011, there has nearly $10 million in SGO Scholarships awarded at an average of $1,257 per scholarship.

Families qualify for scholarships based upon the household income that is below 300% of the Federal Reduced Lunch guidelines. Below are the income thresholds for school year 2023-24.

Household Size Income Limit (300% FRL)
1 $80,919.00
2 $109,446.00
3 $137,973.00
4 $166,500.00
5 $195,027.00
6 $223,554.00
7 $252,081.00
8 $280,608.00
9 $309,135.00
10 $337,662.0

Funded by private, charitable donations, the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana (SGONEI) was founded in 2011 to provide low and middle-income families with scholarships to attend schools in Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Our 43 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend partner with the Institute for Quality Education as the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana. Since its founding in 2011, there has nearly $10 million in SGO Scholarships awarded at an average of $1,257 per scholarship.

Families qualify for scholarships based upon the household income that is below 300% of the Federal Reduced Lunch guidelines. Below are the income thresholds for school year 2023-24.

Household Size     300% FRL
1……………………….$80,919
2……………………..$109,446
3……………………..$137,973
4……………………..$166,500
5……………………..$195,027
6……………………..$223,554
7……………………..$252,081
8……………………..$280,608
9……………………..$309,135
10……………………..$337,662

How do I apply for a scholarship for my child?

Contact one of our Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Schools, who will be able to assist families in determining eligibility, required documents for verification, and completion of the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an SGONEI Scholarship the same as a Choice Scholarship?

No. While both are part of Indiana’s School Choice initiative, the two scholarships are funded separately. Choice Scholarships (voucher) are state-funded scholarships. SGONEI Scholarships are fully funded by private, charitable donations.

Can I receive multiple forms of aid?

Some students may be eligible to receive both a Choice Scholarship and an SGONEI Scholarship in the same year. School specific assistance may overlap.

Can scholarships be renewed?

Both Choice and SGONEI Scholarships are eligible for annual renewal with proof of income. Household income must be verified by the SGO every year. Contact your school’s principal for more information.

Are SGO scholarships guaranteed if I meet the requirements?

Please contact the school of your choice to inquire about the availability of SGO scholarships. All students who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for an SGO scholarship.

SGO scholarship availability is dependent upon donations to the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana. While many diocesan schools are able to offer every qualifying student a SGO scholarship of $500 or more (the amount needed to qualify for Choice in subsequent years), other schools are still working to obtain enough donations to do so.

To donate to the SGO, visit sgonei.org. Donations may go to the school of your choice.

Is there tuition assistance for preschool?

Families seeking tuition assistance for preschool are encouraged to speak to the school principal about funding opportunities, including On My Way Pre-K. Information from the state on On My Way Pre-K can be found here: in.gov/fssa/carefinder/on-my-way-pre-k