What is EITC?

The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program allows both Pennsylvania taxpayers and Pennsylvania business owners to support independent schools via scholarship funds. The program is designed to provide educational opportunities at schools like Shipley for students who otherwise would be unable to attend. Some reside in the lowest performing public school systems in the Commonwealth.

At Shipley, nearly $2.4 million of the tuition assistance available to students in the 2023-2024 school year was funded through the EITC Program. Donors participated either directly through their PA businesses or as individual taxpayers. 

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SHIPLEY WITH YOUR PA TAXES


1) JOIN AN SPE: The process starts when you join a Special Purpose Entity (SPE). A Special Purpose Entity is a new class of pass-through partnerships that exists solely for the purpose of allowing individuals and businesses to participate in the EITC program.

2) MAKE YOUR DONATION: The SPE will ask that you make a commitment for two years, based on your PA tax liability. The SPE will then make a donation to Shipley.

3) RECEIVE YOUR CREDIT: The SPE will issue you a credit (90% of your donation, for a two-year commitment) for your PA state taxes. You may also qualify for a credit on your federal taxes.

FAQs

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • Q.
    How can I participate as an individual Pennsylvania taxpayer? 

    Individuals may join a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) that allows personal tax liabilities to flow through it. Joining an SPE enables Pennsylvania taxpayers the ability to receive a tax credit of up to 90% of the donation amount, as well as a federal charitable tax deduction. 

    The minimum requested donation amount is $5,000 and should be made to the SPE. The SPE will then make a donation to Shipley and issue you a credit for your state taxes. 

    Please contact Audrey Schnur, Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement, and she can speak with you about the process and direct you to an SPE. 
  • Q. How can my Pennsylvania business participate?

    Businesses may apply directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Follow this link for deadlines and the application. 

    Businesses may also join a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) that allows tax liabilities to flow through it. The minimum requested donation amount is $5,000 and should be made to the SPE. The SPE will then make a donation to Shipley and issue you a credit for your state taxes. Please contact Audrey Schnur, Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement, and she can speak with you about the process and direct you to an SPE. 

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Audrey Schnur

    Mrs. Audrey Schnur 

    Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement
    Phone/Extension: 4217
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.