EITC & OSTC

Tax Credit Programs for KCFS Scholarships

Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and
Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)

Turn your Pennsylvania tax burden into Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools (KCFS) scholarships!

Invisible

What is EITC & OSTC

Through the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs set up by the state of Pennsylvania, you can have your tax dollars go directly to students in Mercer County. The EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs, aimed at corporations, provide companies with a tax credit for donations to a non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organization. The donations directly benefit local PA schools, often in the form of scholarships to low or moderate-income families. KCFS has many families who depend on scholarships from EITC and OSTC. You can learn more about these programs by clicking here.

How do KCFS students benefit?

Like anything valuable and worthwhile, it costs money for KCFS to deliver educational excellence for all our students. Yet, KCFS also seeks to be an affordable alternative for a diverse community of students. When your business receives tax credits by designating its donation for KCFS’ scholarship fund, your contribution is awarded directly toward the tuition of students based on their financial need, making a Catholic education accessible to children from all socio-economic backgrounds.

How much of a tax credit can I receive?

You may take up to $750,000 in tax credits per year. Tax credits equal 75% of the donation for a one-year commitment or a 90% credit for a two-year commitment of equal contributions. Existing federal charitable deductions also apply, so there may be no net cost to the donor.

What types of businesses can participate?

Businesses authorized to do business in Pennsylvania who are subject to one or more of the following taxes are eligible in the EITC program:

  • Corporate Net Income Tax
  • Capital Stock Franchise Tax
  • Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
  • Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
  • Insurance Premiums Tax
  • Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
  • Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partners in a general or limited partnership (LLC)

How do we begin?

Submit the KCFS short EITC-OSTC Application (coming online soon) at any time. The Community Foundation will send the application to DCED on your behalf according to the DCED application timeline. Based on available funding DCED will send an approval letter to you. Once approved, you must provide proof to DCED within 90 days of the notification letter that the contribution was made within 60 days of the notification letter. You will send your contribution to the Community Foundation, designated to benefit Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools. The Foundation will send you proof of your contribution. Use your tax credits in the tax year in which the contribution was made.

The DCED requires that all donations are given through approved organizations. KCFS partners with:

Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH
33 Chestnut Street
Sharon, PA 16146
p) 724.981.5882 | f) 724.983.9044

and

STAR Foundation Scholarship Fund
Diocese of Erie
P.O. Box 10497
Erie, PA 16154

Important Documents:

If you have any questions about EITC or OSTC please contact Director of Operations, Bill Blum for more information.

Testimonial from the Campbell Family

From Kennedy Catholic my children have received spiritual inspiration, exceptional academics and extracurricular activities just as the mission statement intended. For my oldest daughter Princess who just graduated and heading to Stanford, she is definitely ready to pass this on the next phase in her journey and new educational community and the world.Thank you Kennedy Catholic for giving only the best!!!!!

Dr Linet Campbell 
Mother to Princess, Precious, Patience & Paris Ochweri 

 

Testimonial from the Southworth Family

Kennedy Catholic is a phenomenal school. The teachers, students and staff saved my son’s life. We are forever grateful. 

The Southworth Family-
Lena, Adrian & Maxwell

 

Testimonial from the Gealy Family

The dedication of the faculty at SJPII has always been exceptional, however it was on full display throughout this past year. Mrs Tiefenthal was available whenever we had questions- not just during typical school hours. The classes that were continued transferred seamlessly to remote learning. We especially enjoyed the zoom story times and virtual field trips. I believe that we were given enough tools to keep our children on track and in a way that I was not left feeling overscheduled. This was important to me because as I worked from home and at the office, we were able to complete the assignments at our convenience. I take comfort in knowing that the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools has proved the ability to adjust the classroom accordingly to these uncertain times.

-The Gealy Family: Michelle and Maryleigh
Current SJPII Parent

Testimonial from the Rosa Family

The thing that stands out to us in addition to an amazing education, is the family feeling you get from being part of this school system. Starting with the teachers and administrators, they go above and beyond to make sure each student is getting exactly what they need to succeed. Whether it is the principal putting on a band-aid or a devoted teacher staying after school and working during the summer tutoring a struggling child. They really care. We are so happy we chose the KCFS for our children.”

– The Rosa Family: Lewis, Elizabeth, Abby and Andrew
Former KCFS Board & Committee Member & KCFS Parents

Testimonial from the Miller Family

We transitioned Glenn to a Kennedy Catholic in 8th grade as we wanted him to get comfortable with the school before the important high school years.  The transition was very easy for him.  Everyone made him feel comfortable and his grades were better than we all expected.

When the transition to remote learning took place our local public school took 2 weeks to begin learning from home.  Kennedy was ready in a day.  After the first week of everyone adjusting to the new learning environment Glenn excelled and made highest honors the second two grading periods.

Glenn really enjoyed his teachers and they were readily available to him during the remote learning experience.

– The Miller Family: Dr. Glenn, Roberta and Glenn
Current KCHS Parents

Testimonial from Carol Shields, M.D.

“Kennedy Catholic welcomed me into its wonderful nurturing environment. Kennedy planted the seed of my career and taught me discipline, integrity, and loyalty – 3 assets for success. That opened the door to an excellent University, then Medical School, and now blossomed into a top tier medical practice in Philadelphia. My roots remain at Kennedy.”

– Carol L. Shields M.D., Class of 1975
Ocular Oncology Service, Co-Director Wills Eye Hospital