Tax Credit Giving

Make your tax dollars work for GFS!

Businesses, corporations, and individuals can support Germantown Friends School through tax credit programs.

GFS is an approved scholarship organization, participating in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Businesses and individuals may support financial aid at GFS through one of these programs and receive a tax credit from the State of Pennsylvania of up to 90% of their gift.

How Does It Work?

Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity for businesses in the state to reduce tax liability by contributing to registered scholarship organizations. Gifts to scholarships at Germantown Friends School can generate a tax credit of up to 90%.

Pennsylvania Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC)

Like EITC, the OSTC program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to an Opportunity Scholarship Organization. Business contributions are then used to provide tuition assistance in the form of scholarships at Germantown Friends School to eligible students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving school.

How Can Individual PA Taxpayers Participate?

Individuals may join a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) which operates as a pass-through mechanism for their personal tax liability.

As a member of an SPE, individuals may receive a tax credit for up to a 90% of their contribution amount. It may also be possible to claim a federal charitable deduction on the remaining 10%.

How Can My PA Business Participate?

Businesses may apply directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Application information and deadlines can be found here.

Businesses may also join a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) that allows tax liabilities to flow through it.

Other Partner Organizations

The Friends Collaborative

GFS is a founding member school of The Friends Collaborative (TFC), which was formed in the summer of 2016, by a group of individuals who were passionate about increasing access to Quaker education.

TFC formed several special purpose entities with the goal of raising scholarship dollars through the PA EITC and OSTC programs. Businesses and individuals contributing to one of TFC’s special purpose entities will receive a tax credit of up to 90% of the donation.

Watch this video to learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible to participate?

My business operates in PA and pays one or more of the following taxes:

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

Or, I am an individual and have:

A Pennsylvania tax liability and accredited investor status

What is the minimum contribution for an individual or household?

How can my business register with the state to participate in the EITC and/or OSTC program?

Pennsylvania businesses can apply for Educational Improvement or Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credits through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s electronic single application system.

Please click here for the EITC Business Guidelines and Application information.

Please click here for the OSTC Business Guidelines and Application information.

If you have questions about this process or need assistance with either application, please contact the Advancement Office at 215-951-2340.

What is the deadline to participate in the EITC or OSTC program?

Businesses: Tax credit applications to the DCED for both programs will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis by day submitted, so please submit your application on the first day your business is eligible. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a random basis before moving on to the next day's applications. Applications will be approved until the amount of available tax credits is exhausted.

May 15 – Business applicants who have fulfilled their 2-year commitment and wish to reapply to renew their 2-year commitment.
May 15 – Businesses who are in the middle of their 2-year commitment.
July 3 – All other businesses.

Individuals and Businesses: When tax credits become available through an SPE, they are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses and individuals wishing to participate through and SPE are asked to contact the Advancement Office at 215-951-2340 for more information on tax credit availability.

Who do I contact with questions?

Request More Information

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Contact Us

For questions about participating in PA Tax Credit Programs, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Duane Michelle Sims at dsims@germantownfriends.org or 267-323-3291