Listen to SGOs 101 Podcast: Unlocking Federal Tax Credits for Iowa Public Schools
Click to listen to SGOs 101 podcast
In this episode of It's Been SAId podcast, Communications Director Laine Buck sits down with Dr. Brad Buck, the new executive director of School Administrators of Iowa, to discuss Scholarship Granting Organizations, commonly known as SGOs.
In this packed 30-minute episode, listeners will learn how Iowa school leaders are navigating new legislation to bring fresh funding and expanded learning opportunities directly to public school students across the state.
The two discuss SAI's latest initiative, the Iowa Public School Student Support Fund, which is designed to help public school districts across the state leverage federal tax credits to expand student opportunities.
Topics covered in this episode include:
- The definition of an SGO and why SAI is managing the administrative backend for local school districts.
- The mechanics of donor contributions, including how supporters can designate funds directly to a specific school district.
- Details on the dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for eligible donors.
- Qualifying student offerings, such as after-school programs, tutoring services and expanded summer school courses.
- Student eligibility guidelines, which allow roughly 96% of Iowa K-12 students to qualify.
- Important implementation timelines and district rollout dates leading into 2027.
For more information or to submit a district interest form, visit the Resources Hub on the SAI website at https://www.sai-iowa.org/sais-scholarship-granting-organization-sgo