Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website.

# FundEDU: Choose how your tax dollars are spent! Learn how your business can contribute to education while receiving tax credits through EITC and OSTC programs.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.fundedu.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Why Faith-Based Schools Should Be Paying Attention](https://www.fundedu.org/why-faith-based-schools-should-be-paying-attention/): Two weeks ago, in a hotel lobby outside Chicago, a superintendent from a set down her coffee and asked me the question I was hoping to hear. It was not about the money.
- [What 100 School Leaders Taught Me about EFTC in Chicago](https://www.fundedu.org/what-100-school-leaders-taught-me-about-eftc-in-chicago/): I just spent four days in Chicago at the Partners in Mission National Advancement Summer Institute, in a room with more than 600 Catholic school leaders from across the country. I went to talk about the incredible impact that Tax Credits have had on Education in Pennsylvania, as well as our hopes for the Education Freedom Tax Credit. I left having talked with more than a hundred presidents, principals, and advancement directors, one conversation at a time, and I want to share the single most important thing I heard. It was not a question about Treasury rules (which are still pending) or opt-in deadlines. Instead, there was a major concern, and it surfaced again and again, usually phrased something like this: "This sounds great, but we do not have the major donors to make another program work." I understand the fear. But that understanding has the EFTC exactly backwards, which is part of what I find so exciting about this new program.
- [Real Families. Real Scholarships. Real Change.](https://www.fundedu.org/real-families-real-scholarships-real-change/): After more than a decade in Pennsylvania's scholarship world, I have learned that there is a consistent pattern to the school choice discussion. The names change. The town changes. The essential parts of the story do not.
- [Policy Recommendations for the Pennsylvania EITC Program](https://www.fundedu.org/policy-recommendations-for-the-pennsylvania-eitc-program/): Beginning January 1, 2027, federal law (IRC Section 25F, enacted in 2025) gives individual taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for cash contributions to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). The program was explicitly modeled on Pennsylvania’s EITC. Participation requires each state to opt in by submitting a list of approved SGOs to the U.S. Treasury. Pennsylvania has not yet opted in. Critically, the federal statute contains a reduction rule: a taxpayer’s federal credit is reduced by any credit allowed on their state tax return for qualified contributions made by the taxpayer. How Pennsylvania’s statute is worded determines whether that reduction rule reaches Pennsylvania taxpayers, which is where Recommendations 1 through 3 come in.
- [25 Years of Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)](https://www.fundedu.org/25-years-of-education-improvement-tax-credit-eitc/): Harrisburg, Pa., May 14, 2026 — Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) turns 25 this year. Since its creation in 2001, the highly successful program has awarded more than 1 million scholarships in all 67 counties, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Foundation.
- [Which Colorado candidate for governor will commit to the ‘public’ in public education? | Paula Noonan](https://www.fundedu.org/which-colorado-candidate-for-governor-will-commit-to-the-public-in-public-education-paula-noonan/): The General Assembly finished its work with a flurry, not a whimper. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) managed to outplay Gov. Jared Polis with its final amendments to the School Finance Act.
- [Philadelphia school board approves facility plan, district to close 17 schools](https://www.fundedu.org/philadelphia-school-board-approves-facility-plan-district-to-close-17-schools/): From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!
- [My kids escaped a failing school district—now Pennsylvania lawmakers want to close that door for others | Opinion](https://www.fundedu.org/my-kids-escaped-a-failing-school-district-now-pennsylvania-lawmakers-want-to-close-that-door-for-others-opinion/): By Marcie Smith
- [Dime Bank partners with community orgs](https://www.fundedu.org/dime-bank-partners-with-community-orgs/): HONESDALE, PA — The Dime Bank has a “continued commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by supporting a wide range of local nonprofits and community initiatives,” the bank wrote recently. It participates in Pennsylvania’s tax‑credit programs, including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP).
- [Meridian Bank Contributes $5,000 to DelVal Through EITC Program](https://www.fundedu.org/meridian-bank-contributes-5000-to-delval-through-eitc-program/): Both organizations share commitment to empowering communities through education and opportunity
- [Community Arts Center receives grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield](https://www.fundedu.org/community-arts-center-receives-grant-from-highmark-blue-cross-blue-shield/): Williamsport, Pa. — The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $2,500 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, which will be used to support the 2026-27 Educational Series.
- [Archdiocesan Students Rally at Capitol for Education Choice, EITC Anniversary](https://www.fundedu.org/archdiocesan-students-rally-at-capitol-for-education-choice-eitc-anniversary/): Students, educators, and school choice advocates gathered at the state Capitol on May 5 for the Rockin’ the Capitol 2026 rally, organized by PA Families for Education Choice, to promote K-12 education freedom in Pennsylvania.
- [EITC vs OSTC: Which Education Tax Credit Program Is Best for Your Business](https://www.fundedu.org/eitc-vs-ostc-difference-guide/): Understanding the EITC vs OSTC difference is essential for businesses that want to maximize financial benefits while supporting education. Both programs allow companies to redirect a portion of their tax dollars into scholarship initiatives, but they differ in focus, structure, and impact.
- [How Organizations Help Businesses Maximize Education Tax Credit Opportunities](https://www.fundedu.org/education-tax-credit-facilitation/): Education tax credit programs provide businesses with a unique opportunity to reduce their tax burden while contributing to meaningful social causes. With the support of education tax credit facilitation services, these programs allow companies to redirect a portion of their tax liability toward educational initiatives, creating long-term value for both businesses and communities.
- [The Role of Schools in Education Tax Credit Scholarship Programs](https://www.fundedu.org/role-of-schools-in-scholarship-programs/): Education tax credit scholarship programs are transforming how schools access funding and how students receive quality education. These programs create a bridge between donors, scholarship organizations, and schools, enabling financial support to flow directly to students in need. For schools, understanding the role of schools in scholarship programs is essential to unlocking new funding opportunities and improving long-term sustainability.
- [St. Genevieve Students Lead Effort Urging California to Secure Billions in Federal Education Funding Amid Budget Crises](https://www.fundedu.org/st-genevieve-students-lead-effort-urging-california-to-secure-billions-in-federal-education-funding-amid-budget-crises/): PANORAMA CITY, CA, UNITED STATES, March 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As schools across California face mounting financial strain, students at St. Genevieve Parish Schools are asking a pointed question: why would the state turn down billions in federal education funding? Through a student-led advocacy campaign and an upcoming trip to Sacramento, they are working to ensure those dollars stay in California to benefit students statewide.
- [Tompkins Community Bank Donates $15K to the Foundation for Reading Area Community College](https://www.fundedu.org/tompkins-community-bank-donates-15k-to-the-foundation-for-reading-area-community-college/): From Reading Area Community College
- [PBST contributes over $1.5 million to local education orgs via EITC program](https://www.fundedu.org/pbst-contributes-over-1-5-million-to-local-education-orgs-via-eitc-program/): And this? "DUNMORE — Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) contributed $1,572,581.46 in 2025 to support educational organizations across its service footprint. The EITC Program allows businesses to support education by directing a portion of their state tax obligations to a qualified Scholarship Organization, Educational Improvement Organization, and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization. PSBT’s EITC contributions helped fund scholarship programs, classroom materials, educational supplies, school grants, and specialized academic initiatives designed to expand access to quality education. In total, 110 organizations benefitted from these funds, including private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit partners serving students and families throughout the Bank’s Pennsylvania footprint. Since 2015, PSBT has contributed more than $8.6 million through the EITC program. This sustained investment reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. “It is important to us to invest in education because strong schools help build strong communities,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “The EITC Program allows us to make meaningful investments that support students today while helping to strengthen our communities for the future.” The EITC Program plays a critical role in expanding educational opportunities across Pennsylvania by encouraging private-sector support for innovative and impactful programs. PSBT remains committed to participating in initiatives that promote access to education and long-term community development. For more information on the PBST, visit psbt.com."
- [Supporters of the new federal school choice tax credit pressure Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro to opt in](https://www.fundedu.org/supporters-of-the-new-federal-school-choice-tax-credit-pressure-pennsylvania-gov-shapiro-to-opt-in/): School choice advocates and two Philadelphia lawmakers are urging Gov. Josh Shapiro to opt into a federal tax-credit scholarship program that would pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.
- [Ohio public schools now using tax credit program designed for private schools](https://www.fundedu.org/ohio-public-schools-now-using-tax-credit-program-designed-for-private-schools/): At least four public school districts have created scholarship granting organizations to offset full-day kindergarten costs, with Nordonia Hills providing 50 students full scholarships this year.Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- [Fulton Bank supports accessible arts education through Community Arts Center donation](https://www.fundedu.org/fulton-bank-supports-accessible-arts-education-through-community-arts-center-donation/): Williamsport, Pa. — The Penn College Community Arts Center is pleased to announce a $2,500 donation from Fulton Bank through Pa.’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. This contribution supports the CAC’s mission to provide accessible arts programming and cultural experiences students in the region.
- [Lewisburg students gain global prespective](https://www.fundedu.org/lewisburg-students-gain-global-prespective/): LEWISBURG — Twenty-four students from the Lewisburg Area High School (LAHS) recently attended the Gannon University Model United Nations (UN) Conference in Erie.
- [Pennsylvania pioneered school choice](https://www.fundedu.org/pennsylvania-pioneered-school-choice/): Pennsylvania has been a trailblazer in educational opportunity. Long before school choice became a national movement, the good people of our great commonwealth helped prove that empowering families — not bureaucracies — could change lives.
- [Capital Blue Cross Grants Support Community Initiatives in Lehigh Valley](https://www.fundedu.org/capital-blue-cross-grants-support-community-initiatives-in-lehigh-valley/): Capital Blue Cross supported educational community programs throughout Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley during the past year by distributing nearly $2.1 million in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grants.
- [Rutter’s Marks $1.75 Million Donated in 2025](https://www.fundedu.org/rutters-marks-1-75-million-donated-in-2025/): Rutter’s and Rutter’s Children’s Charities have announced that in 2025, the organizations notched more than $1.75 million in charitable contributions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting children, families, education and food access across the communities it serves.
- [New Tripoli Bank gives $100K to NWL Education Foundation](https://www.fundedu.org/new-tripoli-bank-gives-100k-to-nwl-education-foundation/): New Tripoli Bank has donated $100,000 to the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation in order to support approved educational needs in the Northwestern Lehigh School District.
- [Will Josh Shapiro lead — or keep hiding — on school choice and girls’ sports?](https://www.fundedu.org/will-josh-shapiro-lead-or-keep-hiding-on-school-choice-and-girls-sports/): Many Democrats appear to be at odds with the progressive direction of their party, particularly on two big issues: school choice and boys in girl’s sports. As a result, grassroots organizations are taking matters in their own hands.
- [Editorial: School choice could help close Connecticut’s achievement gaps](https://www.fundedu.org/editorial-school-choice-could-help-close-connecticuts-achievement-gaps/): America’s most powerful teachers unions – the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers – play a strong if not dominant role in how public schools are run. Are these unions beneficial to America’s children, the great majority of whom attend public schools, or are they toxic? Consider:
- [State Joins Federal Education Tax Credit Program](https://www.fundedu.org/state-joins-federal-education-tax-credit-program/): “We want every child across our state to be in the learning environment that best fits their needs, and this tax credit opportunity will help give families that choice and provide tax relief to individuals and businesses,” Ayotte said in a press release announcing the decision. “We will continue working to provide a best-in-class education for our kids and ensure students, teachers, and their parents have the resources they need to thrive.”
- [As federal education leaders push school choice, Pittsburgh parents explore their options](https://www.fundedu.org/as-federal-education-leaders-push-school-choice-pittsburgh-parents-explore-their-options/): Over the weekend, Nicole Stitt attended the National School Choice Week Expo on Pittsburgh’s South Side, looking for a school she hopes will better suit her daughter’s learning style.
- [First Resource Bank Makes Record-Breaking $450,000 in EITC Contributions to Support Local Education, Community Growth](https://www.fundedu.org/first-resource-bank-makes-record-breaking-450000-in-eitc-contributions-to-support-local-education-community-growth/): First Resource Bank marks a record-breaking year of community investment, contributing $450,000 through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program to support 60 local schools and educational organizations.
- [Woodlands Bank awards EITC funds to Arts Center](https://www.fundedu.org/woodlands-bank-awards-eitc-funds-to-arts-center/): Woodlands Bank recently contributed $10,000 to the Penn College Community Arts Center through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
- [Area private schools get Bridge foundation funding](https://www.fundedu.org/area-private-schools-get-bridge-foundation-funding/): A recent ceremony at a Kittanning-area private school marked the latest effort by the Bridge Educational Foundation to funnel Educational Improvement Tax Credit funding to non-public schools in west-central Pennsylvania.
- [Hatboro Federal Bank donates $222K to 11 local EITC-qualifying organizations](https://www.fundedu.org/hatboro-federal-bank-donates-222k-to-11-local-eitc-qualifying-organizations/): Hatboro Federal Bank announced that it donated $222,222 in grants in 2025 to eleven local organizations that meet the criteria for Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC).
- [Mid Penn Bank Donates $4,500 to RACC Foundation Under EITC Program](https://www.fundedu.org/mid-penn-bank-donates-4500-to-racc-foundation-under-eitc-program/): From Reading Area Community College
- [Pennsylvania is losing the school choice race to its neighbors | Opinion](https://www.fundedu.org/pennsylvania-is-losing-the-school-choice-race-to-its-neighbors-opinion/): By Marc LeBlond and Myles Slade-Bowers
- [Ep. 1: Tough Questions with Robert Enlow: Does School Choice Actually Work?](https://www.fundedu.org/ep-1-tough-questions-with-robert-enlow-does-school-choice-actually-work/): https://soundcloud.com/edchoice/ep-1-tough-questions-with-robert-enlow-does-school-choice-actually-work
- [PPL donation helps keep Penn College Dual Enrollment free for students](https://www.fundedu.org/ppl-donation-helps-keep-penn-college-dual-enrollment-free-for-students/): Williamsport, Pa. — Longtime supporter PPL Electric Utilities has made an $8,000 financial commitment to Penn College’s Dual Enrollment program.
- [Utility donates to 118 organizations](https://www.fundedu.org/utility-donates-to-118-organizations/): ALLENTOWN — PPL Electric Utilities contributed $750,000 in 2025 through Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program to 118 organizations working to improve education and provide high-quality early childhood education for students across PPL Electric’s 29-county service territory.
- [BC3 Receives Largest Gift Of Kind Through Tax-Credit Program](https://www.fundedu.org/bc3-receives-largest-gift-of-kind-through-tax-credit-program/): (Butler, PA) The Butler County Community College Education Foundation has received the largest Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit contribution since its first in 2012 and from the Cranberry Township-based MSA Safety, an international developer and manufacturer of advanced safety products.
- [Megan Martin: Education tax credits are a lifeline for low-income families](https://www.fundedu.org/megan-martin-education-tax-credits-are-a-lifeline-for-low-income-families/): Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh isn’t just a school. It’s a sanctuary of hope and safety, a place that nurtures dreams and builds bright futures. Through a holistic approach that combines faith, academics, arts, and athletics, it empowers students to reach their full potential.
- [Pennsylvania nonprofit awards Allentown school with education grant](https://www.fundedu.org/pennsylvania-nonprofit-awards-allentown-school-with-education-grant/): ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A Pennsylvania nonprofit is giving local students a chance to better their education.
- [U.S. Steel donates $542K for student scholarships](https://www.fundedu.org/u-s-steel-donates-542k-for-student-scholarships/): Schools in White Oak and McKeesport were among the recipients of the donations.
- [Enrollment steady at Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh schools](https://www.fundedu.org/enrollment-steady-at-catholic-diocese-of-pittsburgh-schools/): With enrollment seemingly stabilizing after a post-pandemic dip, the superintendent the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh’s schools said there are no plans for school closures on the table in the near future.
- [From Vouchers to Real Value: A Better Way to Use Education Tax Credits](https://www.fundedu.org/from-vouchers-to-real-value-a-better-way-to-use-education-tax-credits/): The passage of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and its K–12 tax credit program marks a pivotal moment for states committed to strengthening public education. While the law allows funds to flow to private school scholarships, a prospect that rightly concerns many public education advocates, it also opens a promising new and uncharted path: one that empowers public school families with the financial means to provide their children with the individualized academic and mental health support they deserve.
- [Penn National Insurance Supports Community Organizations Through the EITC Program](https://www.fundedu.org/penn-national-insurance-supports-community-organizations-through-the-eitc-program/): Penn National supports community organizations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, or EITC program. The Dauphin County Library is one of those organizations, and Penn National also provides space for the libraries. Jason Bugg with Penn National Insurance and Ryan McCrory from the Dauphin County Library System joined us this morning to share more.
- [Opinion: Colorado governor should heed his own words, buck party line and opt state in to federal voucher-style program](https://www.fundedu.org/opinion-colorado-governor-should-heed-his-own-words-buck-party-line-and-opt-state-in-to-federal-voucher-style-program/): Gov. Jared Polis has mixed feelings about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- [Pleasant Mount Welding Inc. provides grants to local schools](https://www.fundedu.org/pleasant-mount-welding-inc-provides-grants-to-local-schools/): Bob Non, founder and owner of Pleasant Mount Welding Inc., presents an Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program grant in the amount of $30,000 to Forest City School District. From left: Daniel Gilroy, superintendent, Forest City Regional School District; Non; and Cynthia Weiss, principal, Forest City Regional High School.
- [Op-Ed: North Carolina governor blocks scholarships for kids](https://www.fundedu.org/op-ed-north-carolina-governor-blocks-scholarships-for-kids/): North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein just blocked students from getting a better education that wouldn’t cost their parents – or taxpayers – a dime.
- [Judge Denies Wyoming Request For School-Choice Payouts During Appeal](https://www.fundedu.org/judge-denies-wyoming-request-for-school-choice-payouts-during-appeal/): A Cheyenne-based judge on Tuesday denied a request by the state of Wyoming to let a new school-choice program operate while a legal challenge against it churns in the state’s only appellate court.

## Pages
- [EFTC Poll](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc-poll/): See where you stand on the new Education Freedom Tax Credit, and tell us what you want to learn. It takes less than a minute.
- [How Familiar Are You With the EFTC? Take the Poll](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc-readiness/): var dataCss = { width: '600px', maxWidth: '98%', fontSize: '16px', padding: '10px', margin: '0 auto', marginTop: '-1rem', borderStyle: 'ridge', borderWidth: '2px', borderColor: '#0C6291', background: '#FBFEF9', color: '#0C6291', transition: '.3s ease', WebkitAppearance: 'none', appearance: 'none', }; var hoverCss = { background: '#0C6291', color: '#FBFEF9', borderColor: '#FBFEF9', };
- [EFTC State Map & Hub](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/map/): Federal tax-credit scholarships
- [EFTC Advocacy Kit](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/advocacy/): We will use this information to personalize your advocacy letters.
- [EFTC Readiness Assessment](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/navigator/): This information helps us personalize your assessment results and action plan.
- [EFTC School Readiness Guide](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/readiness/): Get our standard readiness guide with general preparation steps and your county's income eligibility data.
- [EFTC Eligibility Calculator](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/calculator/): Use our advocacy toolkit to send personalized letters to your governor and state legislators urging them to opt in to the EFTC program.
- [Source Documents](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/sources/): Section 25F, added by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), creates a federal income tax credit for individuals who make charitable contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations.
- [Eligible Expenses](https://www.fundedu.org/eftc/eligible-expenses/): Education Freedom Tax Credit Eligible Expenses EFTC scholarships fund a defined list of K-12 educational expenses under federal law. Some are confirmed eligible by statute; others await final Treasury guidance. Back to EFTC Overview Confirmed Eligible What EFTC scholarships can pay for Fees & Enrollment Public school fees: pay-to-play athletics, band, activity feesCourse-specific fees (lab, art, technology, materials)AP and IB exam feesDual and concurrent enrollment costsStandardized test fees (SAT, ACT) Academic Support Private tutoring and learning centersIn-school academic tutoring programsTest preparation programsEducational therapies for students with disabilities (occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language)Specialized instruction (Orton-Gillingham, executive-function coaching, ABA) Books, Supplies & Equipment Textbooks and curricular materialsCalculators, lab equipment, art suppliesMusical instrumentsLab and project materials Technology Laptops, tablets, Chromebooks for home useHome internet access and related servicesEducational software and subscriptions Career & Technical Education CTE program tool kits, uniforms, and PPEIndustry certification exam fees (ServSafe, CNA, OSHA-10, ASE, cosmetology, welding) School-Provided Services Before- and after-school care and extended-day programsSummer school, credit recovery, and enrichmentDistrict-organized educational travelSchool transportation for special programsRequired uniforms Awaiting Final Rules Pending Treasury guidance Treasury Notice 2025-70 requested public comment on several open questions. Final regulations are expected in 2026 to 2027. Off-site supplementary servicesWhether afterschool and summer programs that occur off school grounds qualify under Bucket 2's supplementary-services language. Many commenters have urged Treasury to confirm eligibility.The supplant question for public schoolsWhether scholarships can pay public schools for services already covered by public funding. This is the most consequential open question for public-school participation.School-level earmarking by donorsWhether donors can direct contributions toward a preferred school while leaving student selection to the SGO. The dominant interpretation permits school-level designation.Treatment of corporate matching giftsWhether employer matching programs are compatible with the dollar-for-dollar credit structure. Anti-double-benefit questions remain unresolved.
- [Blog](https://www.fundedu.org/blog/)