Empowering Children Through Educational Scholarships
Tennessee SGO provides financial assistance to children in K‑12, helping expand access to quality education.
We're a Community SGO
Tennessee SGO is a custom designed, Tennessee specific, SGO established by Chattanoogans with direct ties to our area independent schools.
Our leadership and board possess over one hundred years of collective expertise in independent schooling, charitable stewardship, and legal practice, forged right here in our own community. Don Holwerda and Dr. Jill Hartness bring deep insight into the needs of independent schools. William Decosimo brings expert knowledge of finance. Nate Pedigo brings expertise in business technology. Stephany Pedigo is an attorney who has practiced for 28 years in Chattanooga. Dave Worland served as the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. The leadership, insight and experience afforded by each founder position Tennessee SGO to serve our area extremely well.
We have designed Tennessee SGO to be responsive to the needs of families and schools and to maximize the potential of generous giving from donors in Chattanooga and beyond. We are not a national organization parachuting into your community, we are your neighbors.
We want to see the hallmarks, uniqueness, strengths and ingenuity that make our area so special, utilized to their full potential with the creation and implementation of a community SGO. Come get involved and see what Tennessee SGO is all about!
How It Works
Whether you're a family seeking a scholarship, a donor earning a federal tax credit, or a school joining our network, getting started is simple. Here's the path for each.
For Students & Families
Verify that your household income meets the 300% AMI threshold for your family size, and that your school is a Tennessee SGO member school.
Fill out our online application with basic family information.
We'll review your application quickly and let you know about your scholarship.
For Donors
Contribute to Tennessee SGO on our user friendly donor portal.
Indicate which TN SGO schools you prefer your contribution to support.
Receive up to a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit on your next tax return, not just a deduction.
For Schools
Complete our school registration form with basic institutional information and contact details.
Your application will be processed and upon approval a memorandum of understanding will be sent to the school for review and signature.
Scholarship funds are disbursed to your school and applied toward scholarship recipients' tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about contributions, scholarships, school membership, and advising clients.
Our Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide our mission and ensure every donation makes a meaningful impact.
Don Holwerda
Board Member
William Decosimo
Board Member
Jill Hartness
Board Member
David Worland
Executive Director
Stephany Pedigo
Chief Compliance Officer
Nathanael Pedigo
Chief Operating Officer
Stay Informed
The Tennessee SGO platform opens ahead of the January 1, 2027 federal tax credit. Email us to be notified when donations and scholarship applications go live — or with any questions in the meantime.
Prefer email? Reach us anytime at info@tnsgo.org.
Your Donation Can Change a Student's Future
Beginning January 1, 2027, donors can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer.