1. finance
2. grants, scholarships and financial aid
3. scholarships

4/8/2015
Effectively Build and Grow
Your School District
Foundation
Presenters:
Paula Foreman
Community Relations Director
Altoona Area School District
Phone: (814) 946‐8424
Email: [email protected] Linda Russo
Director of Business and Community Development
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11
Phone: 814 542‐2501 extension 121
Email: [email protected]
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Groundwork
• Support from the superintendent
• Backing from the school board
• Dedicated executive director
– Most effective foundations have a dedicated director
• Explore resources in your community
– ie. Contact your county’s community foundation for guidance and possible financial assistance
• Talk to your school principals, unions, PTO
Create the Board
• Working board who will help you get the ball rolling
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Type of board (ie. Independent of the school board or not)
Determine length of commitment Number of board members (11‐15)
Ensure a broad representation of community and business leaders
Possibly an attorney and accountant
Someone from the media
People who will be donors
Develop a conflict of interest policy
The talents of the board will be a big part in what gets accomplished
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Getting started
• Choose and register your foundation’s name • File for a Employer ID number (know details)
• Do this early as you will need it for numerous steps throughout your process
• Open an account with a bank
• Create a mission statement
• Write a rough draft of the by‐laws and articles of incorporation •
Review other foundation’s info and borrow where possible
• File a request to incorporate
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Your solicitor should be able to do this for you
• Apply for 501(C)3 status with the IRS (form 1023)
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You will need a board and an operating budget
Get help from an accountant to do this
Determine School’s Needs
• With the help of the superintendent, identify school district funding needs
– Grants for teachers
• Competitive Applications
• Timeframe
– Special Projects
• Curriculum enrichment programs, teacher training, and teacher resources
– Scholarships (not recommended) *Provide clear instructions to teacher on how to apply for funding
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Fundraising
• Consider starting in schools with a simple “Thank‐an–
Educator”
– Do it during national education week
• Most will come from elementary • But some may come from secondary
– graduating seniors • Holiday Campaign
• Employee Campaign
• Host a low‐maintenance event – Breakfast or Spaghetti dinner where you invite business owners and community leaders
– 5K run Donations
• It may take 7‐10 years before you see significant results
– Donations will come from
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Businesses including vendors
Alumni
Employees
Other Foundations
Grants
Memorial Donations
Bequests
Pa Education Improvement Tax Credit Donations (EITC)
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Campaign
• Direct Mail Campaign
– Set‐up a donor data base
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Giftworksconnect
Donorperfect
www.etapestry.com
www.thedatabank.com
Raisersedge
Techsoup
Harris Connect
EITC Funds
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School District
– Projects aligned to DCED Guidelines
– Support from superintendent or executive director
– 80% must be used for designated program
•
Businesses
– Tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. Can be increased to 90% of the contribution, if business agrees to provide same amount for two consecutive tax years.
– Businesses must apply to DCED to be on list of eligible applicants
– Apply at www.newPA.com/EITC
• Applications due date
– May 15 – Business applicants who have fulfilled their 2‐year commitment and wish to reapply in FY 14/15 to renew their 2‐year commitment.
– May 15 – Businesses who are in the middle of their 2‐year commitment.
– July 1 – All other businesses including Pre‐K business applications.
• Credits awarded on a first‐come first‐served basis
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Establish an Alumni Association
• Establish a core group of alumni to discuss advantages of having an association
• Identify events or activities for connecting alumni with classmates
• Establish an annual membership for dues‐
paying members
– Are there benefits for membership?
• Market membership, the school district, and the foundation.
Alumni Association
• Develop a Data Base
– New dues‐paying members
– Harris Publishing – alumni directory
• Formalize your Association – Establish By‐Laws • Make one of your objectives to support the Foundation
– 501 (c)(3) Status • Develop a Partnership with the Foundation
– Alumni Association President – non‐voting member of Foundation Board. 6
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Market your Foundation
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Community meetings
Announce programs and events to the public‐have marketing materials at a table at sporting events, booth at chamber events, local community events/fairs
Outreach should include alumni, community, retired school employees, parents (including pre‐school) local businesses, school board, school newsletters
Ask principals to speak about foundation at parent meetings
Write press releases
Marketing should be on‐going
Remember this is a start‐up business – treat it as such. You may need to spend some money on marketing. The amount of money you expect to raise is often in direct relationship to the amount of investment you make. During the first year or two there may be some loss; however, after two to three years most foundations experience anywhere from a two‐to‐one to a ten‐to‐one return on the investment they’ve put into the foundation.
Best Practices
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Dedicated executive director
Supportive and engaged superintendent
Strong alumni support
Board with term limits
On‐going marketing
Recognition for corporate donors
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Thank you!
This PowerPoint along with the white paper on “A Vibrant Alumni Association” and the EITC guidelines can be found on‐line at PASBO.org
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EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
II. Scholarship Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
A.
Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
B.
Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
C.
Initial Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
D.
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
E.
Renewal Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
III. Educational Improvement Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
A.
Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
B.
Innovative Educational Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
C.
Initial Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
D.
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
E.
Renewal Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
IV. Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Appendix II Initial Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Appendix III Renewal Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Appendix IV Scholarship Organization Monitoring Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Appendix V Educational Improvement Organization Monitoring Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Appendix VI Sample Contribution Receipt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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Educational Improvement Tax Credit
Scholarship Educational Improvement Organizations
I. Introduction and Purpose
Under Article XVII-F of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, 72 P.S. Section 8701-F, et seq., the Educational
Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is to be administered by the Department of Community and Economic
Development (the Department). Tax credits may be awarded to businesses that make contributions to
Scholarship Organizations and/or Educational Improvement Organizations and/or Pre-K Scholarship
Organizations contained on a list published by the Department. The current organizational lists can be found
on the EITC web site, which is linked to the Department’s web site, at www.newPA.com/EITC.
A business may receive a tax credit equal to 75% of its contribution to a Scholarship Organization and/or to
an Educational Improvement Organization that is included on the current list published by the Department,
up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the contribution
made, up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year, if the business agrees to provide the same amount of
contribution to an organization for two consecutive years.
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the process whereby a Scholarship Organization or an Educational
Improvement Organization may be included on the list of organizations published by the Department.
II. Scholarship Organization
A. Eligibility
An organization that desires to be included on the Department's list of Scholarship Organizations must meet
the following criteria:
1.
The organization must be a nonprofit entity.
2.
The organization must be exempt from payment of federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
3.
The organization must contribute at least 80% of its annual EITC receipts to a scholarship program that
meets the requirements of the Act and these guidelines.
For the purpose of the EITC, the term "annual receipts" shall mean the total amount or value of
contributions received by an organization from businesses awarded tax credits during that organization's
fiscal year.
B. Scholarship Program
A scholarship program must demonstrate all of the following characteristics:
1.
The program must provide tuition to eligible students to attend a school located in this commonwealth.
For the purposes of the EITC, the term “tuition” shall also include school-related fees charged by a school,
including a special education school. School-related fees shall include fees charged by a school to all
students for books, instructional materials, technology equipment and services, uniforms and activities.
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EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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A school includes any public or nonpublic kindergarten, elementary school or secondary school at
which the compulsory attendance requirements of the commonwealth may be met and which meets the
applicable requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
A special education school is a school or program within a school that is designated specifically and
exclusively for students with disabilities listed in Title 34 CFR §300.8 and meets one of the following:
(1) is licensed under the Private Academic Schools Act; (2) is accredited by an accrediting association
approved by the State Board of Education; (3) is a school for the blind or deaf receiving commonwealth
appropriations; or (4) is operated by or under the authority of a bona fide religious institution or by the
commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof.
2.
An eligible student is a school age student, including an eligible student with a disability, who is a resident
of Pennsylvania, who is enrolled in a school located in this commonwealth and who is a member of a
household with an annual household income of not more than $75,000 except that an additional income
allowance of $15,000 is permitted for the student and for each other dependent (as defined by the IRS)
living within the same household. To be considered an eligible student with a disability, a student must
meet the following criteria: (1) is either enrolled in a special education school or has otherwise been
identified as a “child with a disability” as defined in Title 34 CFR §300.8; (2) needs special education and
related services; (3) is enrolled in a school and (4) is a member of a household that does not exceed the
maximum annual household income. “School age” ranges from the earliest admission age for a school's
kindergarten program (or if the school has no kindergarten program, the earliest age at which the student
may begin school), through the age attained upon graduation from secondary school or 21 years of age,
whichever occurs first. With respect to an eligible student with a disability, multiply the sum of $75,000
plus the allowance(s) of $15,000 per student and dependant, by the support level factor of 1.50 if the
student is not enrolled in a special education school or by the support level factor of 2.993 if the student is
enrolled as a student in a special education school.
A household includes an individual living alone or an individual living with the following:
3.
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a.
a spouse, parent and their unemancipated minor children;
b.
other unemancipated minor children who are related by blood or marriage; or
c.
other adults or unemancipated minor children living in the household who are dependent upon
the individual.
In calculating household income for the purpose of determining student eligibility, all moneys and property
received of whatever nature and from whatever source are to be included, except for the following:
a.
Periodic payments for sickness and disability other than regular wages received during a period of
sickness or disability.
b.
Disability, retirement or other payments arising under workers' compensation acts, occupational
disease acts and similar legislation by any government.
c.
Payments commonly recognized as old age or retirement benefits paid to persons retired from
service after reaching a specific age or after a stated period of employment.
d.
Payments commonly known as public assistance or unemployment compensation payments by a
governmental agency.
e.
Payments to reimburse actual expenses.
f.
Payments made by employers or labor unions for programs covering hospitalization, sickness, disability
or death, supplemental unemployment benefits, strike benefits, social security and retirement.
g.
Compensation received by United States servicemen serving in a combat zone.
EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
4-14-2014
4.
The award of scholarships under a scholarship program must be made without limiting availability to
only students of one school.
5.
The amount of a scholarship paid to or on behalf of a student may not exceed the actual amount of
tuition charged by the school in which the student is enrolled, nor exceed the actual amount of tuition
charged by the school to non-scholarship students.
6.
The scholarship program must have policies in place concerning;
a.
rebates or refunds of scholarship monies for students who withdraw from a school prior to the end
of the period for which tuition has been paid; and
b.
the maintenance of confidentiality of information pertaining to student eligibility in a scholarship
program, including income information.
7.
Scholarship Organizations shall maintain full and accurate records with respect to the receipt of
contributions from businesses and expenditure of those contributions. These records shall be maintained
a period of not less than three years.
8.
For purposes of the EITC, a "contribution" from a business firm is a donation of cash, personal property or
services the value of which is the net cost of the donation to the donor or the pro rata hourly wage,
including benefits, of the individual performing the services. No tax credits shall be approved for
contributions which constitute activities that are part of the applicant business’s normal course of business.
9.
The approved Scholarship Organization will be responsible for supplying a contribution receipt to the
business firm. Receipts, on Scholarship Organization letterhead, shall include the following information:
company name, amount of contribution and, if applicable, date of check, and date check received. If a
company has multiple entities each entity should be receipted separately. If your organization has both a
Scholarship Organization and an Educational Improvement Organization listing, that information should
also be reflected on the receipt. The Scholarship Organization shall use the name by which they have
been approved by the Department for participation in the EITC program on their receipts. For a sample
receipt, see Appendix VI.
C. Initial Application
If an organization desires to be placed on the list of Scholarship Organizations published by the Department,
the organization must submit the following to the Department:
1.
A completed organization profile, in the format set forth in the Appendix II to these guidelines.
2.
A copy of the organization's exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
documentation showing that the organization is included within a group ruling for exemption under
section 501(c)(3).
3.
A description of the scholarship program operated by the organization. The description must address all
of the criteria for a scholarship program as set forth in these guidelines, including the application and
review process and income verification procedures utilized by the organization.
Completed applications will be reviewed by the Department and the applicant will be notified within 60
days from date of receipt whether or not the application has met the requirements of the Act and these
guidelines. If the Department determines that the application meets the requirements, the applicant's
name will be included on the Department's list of Scholarship Organizations for the fiscal year in which
the application was received.
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EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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D. Annual Report
All listed Scholarship Organizations are required to report on their accomplishments on an annual basis, in
the format set forth in Appendix IV to these guidelines. Appendix IV must be submitted annually between
May 1st and September 1st and should reflect information concerning the most recently completed
organizational fiscal year. This report will enable the commonwealth to communicate the benefits of the
program to the administration, the legislature and the citizens of the commonwealth.
E. Renewal Applications
1.
For each state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) following the fiscal year in which a Scholarship
Organization has been initially included on the Department’s list of Scholarship Organizations, the
organization may submit a renewal application to the Department in order for the organization to
continue to be included on the Department’s list. A renewal application may be submitted to the
Department anytime on or after May 1.
2.
To be considered for renewal, the organization must submit to the Department an updated organization
profile, in the format set forth in the Appendix III to these guidelines. Along with the organization’s
federal form 990 or other federal form indicating the tax status of the organization for federal tax
purposes. And a copy of a compilation, review or audit of the organization’s financial statements
conducted by a certified public accounting firm.
3.
If the Department determines that the scholarship program continues to comply with the requirements of
the Act and these guidelines, then the organization will remain on the list of Scholarship Organizations
published by the Department.
4.
If an organization fails to contribute at least 80% of its annual receipts to a scholarship program that
complies with the requirements of the Act and these guidelines or if the Department determines that the
scholarship program no longer meets the requirements of the Act and these guidelines, then the
Department will remove the organization's name from the list at the beginning of the next fiscal year
and the organization may not reapply for inclusion on the list until the fiscal year thereafter.
5.
To be considered for renewal, the organization must submit Appendix IV to the Department for its most
recently completed organizational fiscal year. Renewal applications for which no Appendix IV has been
submitted will not be considered for renewal.
III. Educational Improvement Organization
A. Eligibility
An organization that desires to be included on the Department's list of Educational Improvement
Organizations must meet the following criteria:
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1.
The organization must be a nonprofit entity.
2.
The organization must be exempt from payment of federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
3.
The organization must contribute at least 80% of its annual EITC receipts as grants to a public school,
charter school or a private school approved under section 1376 of the public school code of 1949. for
innovative educational programs that meet the requirements of the Act and these guidelines. Grants may
include cash payments to public schools to carry out innovative educational programs or it may include
the costs incurred by an Educational Improvement Organization in providing innovative educational
programs to, or in conjunction with, public schools.
EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
4-14-2014
For the purpose of the EITC, the term "annual receipts" shall mean the total amount or value of
contributions received by an organization from businesses awarded tax credits during that organization's
fiscal year.
B. Innovative Educational Program
For the purpose of the EITC:
1.
An “innovative educational program” is an advanced academic or similar program that is not part of the
regular academic program of a public school but that enhances the curriculum or academic program of
the public school.
2.
A “public school” is a public kindergarten, elementary school or secondary school (including an area
vocational technical school) at which the compulsory attendance requirements of this commonwealth
may be met and which meets the applicable requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
3.
A "contribution" from a business firm is a donation of cash, personal property or services the value of
which is the net cost of the donation to the donor or the pro rata hourly wage, including benefits, of the
individual performing the services. No tax credits shall be approved for contributions which constitute
activities that are part of the applicant business’s normal course of business.
4.
The instruction, programs or other activities offered by or through an innovative educational program
may include, but are not limited to, any of the following characteristics:
a.
integration with the instructional program of the public school.
b.
supplements, reconstructs or involves a major revision to the curriculum or academic program of
the public school.
c.
provides a different focus, delivery, including internet-based and distance learning technologies,
methodology or skill training than is provided in a typical academic program of a public school.
d.
offered separately from the public school curriculum or academic program.
e.
offered before or after public school hours, on weekends, as a year-round program and/or as an
extension of the public school year.
f.
offered as a standards-based program of instruction that operates outside of the length and time
requirements of the public school, but which meets the minimum hours or days of instruction
required by state law.
g.
use of specialized instructional materials, instructors or instruction not provided by a public school.
h.
use of internships and other work-based learning opportunities for a student that supplements the
curriculum or academic program of a student and provides a student with the opportunity to apply
the knowledge and skills learned in the academic program.
i.
offers instruction or programming that provides credits/advanced placement at a two-year or fouryear college or university authorized by the Department of Education.
j.
reconfiguring, renovating or equipping a facility that is owned by a public school in order to create
a specialized environment that is integral and necessary to the operation of an innovative
educational program.
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5.
Public schools participating in an innovative educational program must be identified and must provide a
letter of support for the program, signed by the appropriate official. An Educational Improvement
Organization may offer more than one innovative educational program and/or may offer an innovative
educational program that serves more than one public school. If serving more than ten public schools
the Department requires a minimum of ten letters of support along with a full list of all public schools
participating in the program.
6.
A public school cannot be an Educational Improvement Organization.
7.
Educational Improvement Organizations shall maintain full and accurate records with respect to the
receipt of contributions from businesses and the expenditure or use of those contributions. Educational
Improvement Organizations must maintain a list of public schools participating in innovative
educational improvement programs funded from contributions made by businesses receiving
Educational Improvement Tax Credits. These records shall be maintained for a period of not less than
three years.
8.
The approved Educational Improvement Organization will be responsible for supplying a contribution
receipt to the business firm. Receipts, on Educational Improvement Organization letterhead, shall
include the following information: company name, amount of contribution and, if applicable, date of
check, and date check is received. If a company has multiple entities, each entity should be receipted
separately. If your organization has both a Scholarship Organization and an Educational Improvement
Organization listing, that information should also be reflected on the receipt. The Educational
Improvement Organization shall use the name by which they have been approved by the Department for
participation in the EITC Program on their receipts. For a sample receipt, see Appendix VI.
C. Initial Application
If an organization desires to be placed on the list of Educational Improvement Organizations published by
the Department, the organization must submit all of the following to the Department:
1.
A completed organization profile, in the format set forth in the Appendix II to these guidelines.
2.
A copy of the organization's exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
documentation showing that the organization is included within a group ruling for exemption under
section 501(c)(3).
3.
A written narrative description of no more than 5 pages of the innovative educational programs offered
or operated by the organization. The description must address the characteristics of the program that
qualify it as an innovative educational program.
4.
The application must be accompanied by at least one letter of support from each public school:
a.
that agrees to participate in the program,
b.
that affirms that the program will enhance the curriculum or academic program of the public school, and
c.
that is signed by the appropriate school official:
• For a public school (other than as identified below), the superintendent of the school district of
which the public school is a part.
• For an area vocational technical school, the vocational school director.
• For a charter school, the chief administrative officer.
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• For a private alternative educational institution, an alternative, charter, independent or magnet
school, or any other public school with a specialized academic mission, the principal or other
designated leader of the school.
EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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Completed applications will be reviewed by the Department and the applicant will be notified within 60
days from date of receipt whether or not the application has met the requirements of the Act and these
guidelines. If the Department determines that the application meets the requirements, the applicant's name
will be included on the Department's list of Educational Improvement Organizations for the fiscal year in
which the application was received.
D. Annual Report
All listed Educational Improvement Organizations are required to report on their accomplishments on an
annual basis, in the format set forth in Appendix V to these guidelines. Appendix V must be submitted
annually between May 1st and August 31st and should reflect information concerning the most recently
completed organizational fiscal year. This report will enable the commonwealth to communicate the benefits
of the program to the administration, the legislature and the citizens of the commonwealth.
E. Renewal Applications
1.
For each state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) following the fiscal year in which an Educational
Improvement Organization has been initially included on the Department’s list of educational
improvement organizations, the organization may submit a renewal application to the Department in
order for the organization to continue to be included on the Department’s list. A renewal application
may be submitted to the Department anytime on or after May 1.
2.
To be considered for renewal, the organization must submit to the Department an updated organization
profile, in the format set forth in Appendix III to these guidelines. This includes the attachment of
support letters from public schools, in the format described elsewhere in these guidelines. Along with
the organization’s federal form 990 or other federal form indicating the tax status of the organization for
federal tax purposes. And a copy of a compilation, review or audit of the organization’s financial
statements conducted by a certified public accounting firm.
3.
If the Department determines that the innovative educational program continues to comply with the
requirements of the Act and these guidelines, then the organization will remain on the list of
Educational Improvement Organizations published by the Department.
4.
If an organization fails to contribute at least 80% of its annual EITC receipts to the direct costs of an
approved innovative educational program (for example: salaries, space, materials/supplies, equipment,
contracts, legal or audit expenses) or if the Department determines that the innovative educational
program no longer meets the requirements of the Act and these guidelines, then the Department will
remove the organization's name from the list at the beginning of the next fiscal year and the
organization may not reapply for inclusion on the list until the fiscal year thereafter.
5.
To be considered for renewal, the organization must submit Appendix V to the Department for its most
recently completed organizational fiscal year. Renewal applications for which no Appendix V has been
submitted will not be considered for renewal.
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EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
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IV. Contact Information
Program inquiries or delivery of applications via mail, fax, e-mail or in person:
Department of Community and Economic Development
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program
Center for Business Financing - Tax Credit Division
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Commonwealth Keystone Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
Telephone: (717) 787-7120
Fax: (717) 772-3581
E-mail: [email protected]
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DCED-TCD-001 (04-14)
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CENTER FOR BUSINESS FINANCING
TAX CREDIT DIVISION
2014-2015 INITIAL LISTING
Appendix II
Profile to be completed by Organization
GENERAL INFORMATION
ORGANIZATION NAME:
ORGANIZATION TYPE:
c Scholarship Organization
FEIN:
c Educational Improvement Organization
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: CONTACT NAME: PHONE: ZIP: COUNTY:
TITLE:
FAX:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE: FISCAL YEAR END:
Please check the box that applies:
c The organization is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations.
c The organization has filed for registration with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations.
c The organization is exempt or excluded from registration with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations.
Please attach the following items to this profile:
1. A written narrative describing: (a) the organization's program, which addresses all of the requirements of 72 P.S. Section 8701-F, et seq.,
and these guidelines; and (b) for Scholarship Organizations, a description of the organization's application and review process for funding
individual scholarships.
2. A copy of the organization's exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3. For an Educational Improvement Organization, a letter of support from each public school, signed by the appropriate school official as set forth in
the guidelines, in which the school agrees to participate in the program and describes how the program will enhance the curriculum or academic
program of the school.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify (1) that all information contained in this profile and attachments thereto are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, (2) that the
organization will contribute at least 80% of its annual receipts to its program, and (3) I am authorized by the organization to submit an application
and sign documents on its behalf. If I knowingly make a false statement to obtain inclusion on the list published by the Department of Community
and Economic Development, I (company, entity and signed) may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
9
DCED-TCD-002 (04-14)
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CENTER FOR BUSINESS FINANCING
TAX CREDIT DIVISION
2014-2015 RENEWAL LISTING
Appendix III
Profile to be completed by Organization
GENERAL INFORMATION
ORGANIZATION NAME:
ORGANIZATION TYPE:
c Scholarship Organization
FEIN:
c Educational Improvement Organization
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: CONTACT NAME: PHONE: ZIP: COUNTY:
TITLE:
FAX:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE: FISCAL YEAR END:
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that:
1. The organization is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If there has been a change in exemption
status, that change is described in an attachment to this Profile.
2. The organization is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations, or is exempt or excluded
from registration.
3. There has been no change in the operation of the organization’s program from the description submitted by the organization’ in its initial
application to the Department. If there has been a change, that change is described in an attachment to this Profile.
4. The organization will contribute at least 80% of its annual receipts to its approved program that meets the requirements of 72 P.S. Section
8701-F, et seq., and these guidelines. For renewals submitted, Appendix IV and/or Appendix V has been attached to this Profile or has been
previously submitted to the Department.
5. For Educational Improvement Organizations, copies of support letters from public schools, signed by the appropriate school officials as set
forth in the guidelines, which are participating or have agreed to participate in the innovative educational program and which describe how the
program enhances the curriculum or academic program of the school are attached to this Profile.
6. All information contained in this profile and attachments thereto are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. If I knowingly make a false
statement to obtain inclusion on the list published by the Department of Community and Economic Development, I (company, entity and
signed) may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
10
DCED-TCD-003 (04-14)
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CENTER FOR BUSINESS FINANCING
TAX CREDIT DIVISION
SCHOLARSHIP ORGANIZATION
MONITORING REPORT
Appendix IV
Appendix IV is two pages in length. It should be submitted with Appendix III for renewal.
ORGANIZATION NAME:
PART I – FISCAL REPORT (for most recently completed fiscal year)
End-of-Year Report for Organization's most recently completed Fiscal Year
Organization's most recently completed fiscal year end date (mm/dd/yyyy):
Contributions from businesses earning EITC:
$
Amount awarded in scholarships from line above:
$
Amount of contributions irrevocably encumbered to subsequent fiscal year:
$
Prior year's irrevocably encumbered funds expended:
$
PART II – PERFORMANCE REPORT
This information should be reported for 2013-14 school year. It is necessary to monitor performance under Act 44-05.
Please note that this report carries over to a second page.
1. Please fill out the table below with the number, dollar value and average amounts of scholarships awarded to eligible students by grade level:
Number of Scholarships
Total Amount Awarded
Average Scholarship
K-8
$
$
9-12
$
$
2. Please fill out the "By County Report" on the following page with the number and total amount of scholarships awarded to eligible students by
county of residence.
3. Total number of scholarship applications processed:
4. The amounts of any application fees charged, either per scholarship application or in the
aggregate through a third-party processor:
$
CERTIFICATION
Two signatures are required. Signatures of the highest-ranking executive and chief financial officer or comparable organization officials are required.
We hereby certify that all information contained in this report and attachments thereto are true and correct to the best of our knowledge. If we
knowingly make a false statement to obtain inclusion on the list published by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the
organization and signing officials may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
11
DCED-TCD-003 (04-13)
SCHOLARSHIP ORGANIZATION MONITORING REPORT
PAGE 2
ORGANIZATION NAME:
County
# of
Scholarships
Total Amount
Awarded
County
# of
Scholarships
Total Amount
Awarded
Adams
$
Lackawanna
$
Allegheny
$
Lancaster
$
Armstrong
$
Lawrence
$
Beaver
$
Lebanon
$
Bedford
$
Lehigh
$
Berks
$
Luzerne
$
Blair
$
Lycoming
$
Bradford
$
McKean
$
Bucks
$
Mercer
$
Butler
$
Mifflin
$
Cambria
$
Monroe
$
Cameron
$
Montgomery
$
Carbon
$
Montour
$
Centre
$
Northampton
$
Chester
$
Northumberland
$
Clarion
$
Perry
$
Clearfield
$
Philadelphia
$
Clinton
$
Pike
$
Columbia
$
Potter
$
Crawford
$
Schuylkill
$
Cumberland
$
Snyder
$
Dauphin
$
Somerset
$
Delaware
$
Sullivan
$
Elk
$
Susquehanna
$
Erie
$
Tioga
$
Fayette
$
Union
$
Forest
$
Venango
$
Franklin
$
Warren
$
Fulton
$
Washington
$
Greene
$
Wayne
$
Huntingdon
$
Westmoreland
$
Indiana
$
Wyoming
$
Jefferson
$
York
$
Juniata
$
TOTAL
$
12
DCED-TCD-004 (04-14)
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CENTER FOR BUSINESS FINANCING
TAX CREDIT DIVISION
EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION
MONITORING REPORT
Appendix V
Appendix V should be submitted with Appendix III for renewal.
ORGANIZATION NAME:
PART I – FISCAL REPORT (for most recently completed fiscal year)
End-of-Year Report for Organization's most recently completed Fiscal Year
Organization's most recently completed fiscal year end date (mm/dd/yyyy):
Contributions from businesses earning EITC:
$
From line above, amount spent on DCED approved programs:
$
Amount of contributions irrevocably encumbered to subsequent fiscal year:
$
Prior year's irrevocably encumbered funds expended:
$
PART II – PERFORMANCE REPORT
This information should be reported for 2013-14 school year. It is necessary to monitor performance under Act 44-05.
For each innovative educational program funded with EITC contributions, provide the following information. Use separate sheet(s) of paper.
• Name of Program
• Expenditure (EITC funds only)
• Describe demonstrated and/or expected outcomes
• Names of Districts and Schools
• County of Districts and Schools
CERTIFICATION
Two signatures are required. Signatures of the highest-ranking executive and chief financial officer or comparable organization officials are required.
We hereby certify that all information contained in this report and attachments thereto are true and correct to the best of our knowledge. If we
knowingly make a false statement to obtain inclusion on the list published by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the
organization and signing officials may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
Print Name:_________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
13
EITC Program | Organization Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
4-14-2014
Appendix VI
Sample Contribution Receipt
Scholarship Organization or Educational Improvement Organization Letterhead
555 United Boulevard
Your Town, PA 17000
Tel. 717-555-1212
March 24, 2014
John Q. Businessman
President
XYZ Company
123 Business Park
Capitol City, PA 17000
Dear Mr. Businessman:
Thank you for your generous contribution made recently to the (name of organization). Your contribution will be
used for our approved (innovative educational or scholarship) programs in the Educational Improvement Tax
Credit Program.
Please forward a copy of this receipt to the Department of Community and Economic Development within 90
days from the date of your approval letter so that your company may have its tax credits properly posted.
Again, many thanks for your support.
Amount of Cash Contribution: $111,111
Check No. 123456
Date of Check: 3/20/2014
Contribution Received: 3/23/2014
Valuation of Property/Services: 0
(Attach schedule of description, dates of services or personal property if contributed.)
Sincerely,
Susan Bee
Executive Director
No goods or services were provided in exchange for this donation.
14
Educational Improvement Tax
Credit Program
Business Guidelines & Applications
Award of Tax Credits to Business Firms for
Contributions to Scholarship Organizations,
Educational Improvement Organizations and
Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Tom Wolf, Governor
Department of Community & Economic Development
February 2015
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
Table of Contents
I. Purpose
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
II. Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
III. Application and Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
A.
Business SO and EIO Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
B.
Business SO and EIO Application Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
C.
Business SO and EIO Application Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
D.
Business Pre-K Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
E.
Business Pre-K Application Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
F.
Business Pre-K Application Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
IV. Earning of Tax Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
V. Use of Tax Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
VI. Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
Educational Improvement Tax Credit
Award of Tax Credits to Business Firms
I. Purpose
Under Article XVII - F of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, 72 P.S. Section 8701-F, et seq., the Educational
Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is to be administered by the Department of Community and Economic
Development (the Department). Tax credits may be awarded to operating businesses that make contributions
to Scholarship Organizations and/or Educational Improvement Organizations and/or Pre-K Scholarship
Organizations contained on a list published by the Department.
II. Eligibility
Entities eligible to apply for EITC are operating businesses authorized to do business in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania that are subject to 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,
or Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax or a tax under Article XVI of the Act of May 17, 1921, known as the
Insurance Company Law of 1921. Such businesses include pass-through entities. To receive tax credits,
businesses must be approved to make contributions to Scholarship Organizations (SO) and/or Educational
Improvement Organizations (EIO) and/or Pre-K Scholarship Organizations (PKSO) that are on the list of
such organizations published by the Department.
For purposes of the EITC, a "contribution" from a business is a donation of cash, personal property or
services the value of which is the net cost of the donation to the donor or the pro rata hourly wage, including
benefits, of the individual performing the services. No tax credits shall be approved for activities that are
part of the applicant business’s normal course of business.
The current list of Scholarship Organizations, Educational Improvement Organizations and Pre-K
Scholarship Organizations can be found on the Department's web site at www.newPA.com/EITC.
III. Application and Approval
A. Business SO and EIO Application
All applications for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program must now be completed and
submitted online using DCED’s Single Application for Assistance which can be accessed at newPA.com
or www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Paper applications will no longer be accepted. To ensure timely
consideration of applications, applicants should carefully follow instructions outlined in the online
Single Application, and provide all requested information at the time of application. A hard copy
signature page must be printed from the online application, signed and submitted to the Department
within 15 days of application submission in order to be considered for tax credits.
A business may submit multiple applications, per the type of organization to which the business would
like to make its contribution. The combined total may not exceed $750,000 in tax credits.
B. Business SO and EIO Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to complete all required fields within the online Single Application. For
applicants who are applying from out-of-state please select “Statewide Project” under the required
county dropdown menu on the addenda tab of the application. Upon successful submission of the online
application the hard copy signature page must be printed, signed and submitted to the Department
within 15 days of application submission in order to be considered for tax credits.
1
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
C. Business SO and EIO Application Approval
An eligible business that submits an application to the Department and that agrees to make a
contribution to an organization whose name is set forth on the current list of Scholarship Organizations
or Educational Improvement Organizations maintained by the Department shall be awarded Educational
Improvement Tax Credits to the extent that such tax credits remain available for the fiscal year in which
application is made.
A business will be approved for a tax credit equal to 75% of its contribution(s) to listed organization(s),
up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the
contribution(s) made, up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year, if the business agrees at the time
of application to provide the same amount of contribution for two consecutive tax years. To ensure the
receipt and retention of the 90% tax credit, the business must make the same amount of contribution in
each of the two consecutive tax years.
Applications for tax credits for program fiscal year 2014-15 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015) will
be accepted beginning July 1, 2014. Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come-firstserved basis by submission date. All applications received on a specific day will be processed on a
random basis prior to acceptance of the next day's applications. Applications will be approved until the
amount of available tax credits is exhausted.
A business that has been approved for tax credits (at 90%) based upon a consecutive two-year
commitment, must submit another application to the Department no later than June 30 of the first
program fiscal year to ensure the availability and application of tax credits for the second consecutive
year. Applications for the second year of a two-year commitment will be accepted beginning May 15,
and, if received by the Department on or before June 30, will be processed prior to any other
applications for tax credits received by the Department. Applications for the second year of a two-year
commitment that are not received on or before June 30 will be processed on a first-come-first-served
basis by submission date, along with all other business applications received by the Department, with no
assurance that tax credits will remain available at the time of processing.
A business that has fulfilled a two-year commitment in the most recently completed fiscal year may
renew their application beginning May 15 for another two-year commitment. Applications submitted
after June 30 to renew a two-year commitment which was fulfilled in the most recently completed fiscal
year, will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis by day submitted. There is no assurance that
tax credits will remain available for applications submitted as part of a two-year commitment renewal.
D. Business Pre-K Tax Credit Application
All applications for the Pre-Kindergarten component of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit
Program must now be completed and submitted online using DCED’s Single Application for Assistance
which can be accessed at newPA.com or www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Paper applications will no longer be
accepted. To ensure timely consideration of applications, applicants should carefully follow instructions
outlined in the online Single Application, and provide all requested information at the time of application.
A hard copy signature page must be printed from the online application, signed and submitted to the
Department within 15 days of application submission in order to be considered for tax credits.
E. Business Pre-K Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to complete all required fields within the online Single Application. For
applicants who are applying from out-of-state please select “Statewide Project” under the required
county dropdown menu on the addenda tab of the application. Upon successful submission of the online
application the hard copy signature page must be printed, signed and submitted to the Department
within 15 days of application submission in order to be considered for tax credits.
2
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
F.
Business Pre-K Application Approval
An eligible business that submits an application to the Department and that agrees to make a
contribution to an organization whose name is set forth on the current list of Pre-K Scholarship
Organizations maintained by the Department shall be awarded Pre-K Tax Credits to the extent that such
tax credits remain available for the fiscal year in which the application is made.
A business may receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the first $10,000 contributed to a Pre-K
Scholarship Organization(s) during the taxable year, and may receive a tax credit equal to 90% of any
additional amount contributed during the taxable year, up to a maximum of $200,000 of tax credits per
taxable year.
Applications for tax credits for program fiscal year 2014-15 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015) will
be accepted beginning July 1, 2014. Tax credit applications will be processed on a first-come-firstserved basis by day submitted. 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 processed until the
amount of available tax credits is exhausted.
IV. Earning of Tax Credits
Upon receipt of written notification from the Department that the business has been approved for tax credits,
the business must make its contribution(s) to an approved Scholarship Organization(s) and/or Educational
Improvement Organization(s) and/or Pre-K Scholarship Organization(s) within 60 days of the date of the
letter, and must provide proof of the contribution in the form of a written acknowledgment from the
organization, to the Department within 90 days of the date of the approval letter. A business will only receive
tax credits for donating to the type of organization and amount that is specified in the application and
approval letter. For services donated to an organization that will not be performed until after the 60-day
period, the business must submit a copy of a letter sent by the business to the recipient organization, dated
within 60 days of the date of the approval letter and signed and accepted by the recipient organization
committing the business to donate the services described. The Department of Revenue will consider tax
credits awarded under this program to be effective on the first day of the taxable year in which the
contribution was made.
If the business does not make the contribution within 60 days of the date on the approval letter, or the
Department does not receive proof of contribution within 90 days of the letter, the approval of tax credits
will be rescinded.
No tax credits shall be approved for activities that are part of the applicant business’ normal course
of business.
3
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
V. Use of Tax Credits - As administered by the PA Department of Revenue
The EITC Irrevocable Election to Pass Through form (REV-1123) is available at
www.revenue.state.pa.us
(Reference: Forms Publications, Forms for Business, Corporation Tax)
For questions regarding utilization of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, contact the PA
Department of Revenue at (717)772-3896. For questions regarding the REV-1123 call (717)705-6225.
Qualified businesses, including pass-through entities, may apply the credit against the following
Pennsylvania state taxes:
•
Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
•
Corporate Net Income Tax
•
Bank Shares Tax
•
Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
•
Insurance Premiums Tax (excluding surplus lines, unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
•
Mutual Thrift Tax
•
Tax under the Insurance Company Law of 1921
•
Personal Income Tax
Upon receipt of proof of a contribution, the Department of Community and Economic Development will
notify the Department of Revenue to apply the EITC against the appropriate taxes identified by the business
firm in its application.
4
•
The entity decides if the tax credit will be applied towards corporation tax and/or passed through to
its partners, shareholders or members.
•
The tax credit cannot be sold or assigned.
•
Although any unused tax credits may not be carried forward, the entity may elect in writing prior to
the due date of the entity’s tax return to pass through all or a portion of the tax credit to its owners
in the taxable year of the contribution or the taxable year immediately following the year of
contributions in the following manner:
1.
Make an irrevocable election in writing to pass through the entire EITC to its owners in
proportion to the share of the entity’s distributive income to which the owners are entitled for
use by the owners in the taxable year in which the contribution is made or in the taxable year
immediately following the year in which the contribution is made.
2.
Apply all or a portion of the EITC to the entity’s tax liability for use in the taxable year in
which the contribution is made and make an irrevocable election in writing to pass through the
remaining EITC to its owners in proportion to the share of the entity’s distributive income to
which the owners are entitled for use by the owners in the taxable year in which the
contribution is made.
3.
Apply all or a portion of the EITC to the entity’s tax liability for use in the taxable year in
which the contribution is made and make an irrevocable election in writing to pass through the
remaining EITC through to its owners in proportion to the share of the entity’s distributive
income to which the owners are entitled for use by the owners in the taxable year immediately
following the year in which the contribution was made.
EITC Program | Business Guidelines for Scholarship & Educational Improvement Organizations
02-02-2015
•
An election to pass through an EITC must be made by the pass-through entity on or before the due
date, including extensions, of the report for the pass-through entity for the year in which the
contribution is made. A separate election must be submitted for each year. If an election is not made
to pass through any unused EITC to the owners, the EITC will expire.
•
An EITC granted for any one taxable year may not exceed the combined tax liability of the entity
and its owners. Additionally, an EITC not used in the taxable year in which the contribution was
made may not be carried forward or carried back and it is not refundable or transferable (except for
an approved election to apply any unused EITC to the tax liability of the owners in the taxable year
immediately following the year in which the contribution is made). A pass through EITC can be
applied to all classes of income earned by the owners.
•
Credit cannot be applied for any tax withheld by an employer from an employee.
•
To make an irrevocable election to pass through an Educational Improvement tax credit to partners,
shareholders or members, a business should visit the Department of Revenue’s website at
www.revenue.state.pa.us and complete REV-1123, Educational Improvement Tax Credit Election
Form, which is also used for the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit program.
•
The entity must complete a separate REV-1123 each year the tax credit is awarded and not used in
whole or in part.
•
REV-1123 must be sent to the Revenue’s Bureau of Corporation Taxes by the tax return filing due
date (including extensions) of the entity. However, REV-1123 must be sent separately from the
entity’s tax return.
•
The amount of the tax credit passed through to partners, shareholders or members is based on the
percentage of income distribution from the entity receiving the tax credit.
•
The tax credit may be applied to 100 percent of the entity liability or 100 percent of the entity
owners’ liabilities.
VI. Contact Information
For program inquiries:
Department of Community and Economic Development
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program
Center for Business Financing - Tax Credit Division
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Commonwealth Keystone Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
Telephone: (717) 787-7120
Fax: (717) 772-3581
E-mail: [email protected]
5
A Vibrant Alumni Association Will Help Your School Foundation Flourish
The success story of the Altoona Area High School Alumni Association reminds me of
the fable about the tortoise and the hare when we learned as children that “slow, but steady,
always wins the race.”
During my 25-year career as executive director of the Altoona Area School District
Foundation and the Altoona Area High School Alumni Association, I have seen the vast majority
of school foundations fall into the trap of becoming dependent on special event fund-raising.
They attemptto attain some “instant fund-raising success” instead of putting all of their
efforts into the development of an alumni association that will help their foundation reach
unprecedented heights during the 21st Century.
Think about the countless hours that are needed to plan and implement a golf tournament,
an upscale reception or some other “blockbuster” event designed to raise some quick cash and
generate some good PR at the same time.
Have you ever “done the math” on such a project? Divide the net amount raised by the
total number of hours logged by your executive director and others involved in the planning and
implementation of that event (be honest here!) and find your hourly rate of return. I’ll predict
you’ll be shocked when you see the meager return per hour.
Your valuable time can be much better spent developing an alumni association that can
work in partnership with your school foundation to produce amazing results – if, and only if your board of directors and your superintendent have some patience.
When our superintendent, Dr. Dennis Murray, had the vision to convince the AASD
school board to create an administrative position in 1986 for the primary purposes of developing
and successfully running a school foundation, as well as serving as the school district’s public
relations person, Altoona was put on a path that few Pennsylvania school districts have been able
to emulate.
I was fortunate to be chosen for this new position after teaching 15 ½ years in Altoona’s
elementary schools. During my first month on the job, I gathered a group of 15-20 community
leaders to get their input on my task at hand.
I remember their recommendations like it was yesterday! They thought a school district
foundation was a good idea if it was kept totally separate from the school board to insure that
board politics would never tarnish the mission and goals of the organization.
And they were adamant that an alumni association must be formed and developed
so graduates could financially support this visionary idea.
Boy, were they ever “right on the money” with that suggestion!
Over the past quarter century, the AASD Foundation has raised almost $4 million
WITHOUT SPECIAL EVENT FUNDRAISING. A vast majority of that money came from gifts
of less than $100. Most of those gifts came from Altoona High alumni.
Countless classroom projects totaling more than $2 million have enhanced the K-12
educational opportunities for thousands of Altoona students thanks to the generosity of our
graduates.
Better yet, our Endowment Fund of more than $1 million continues to grow.
Almost every one of our 30 Named Endowment Funds, which comprise the largest part
of the AASD Foundation’s total endowment, can be directly attributed to our Alumni
Association activities and marketing efforts.
I would also expect that some of these donors have included the AASD Foundation in
their estate plans.
How many successful special events would you have to organize annually to achieve
similar results?
How many years could you keep up that pace?
Like the colleges and universities and our friends in the private schools, we realized that
our graduates, most of whom have fond memories of and a strong allegiance to the school
district which put them on the path to success, could help us achieve astounding success even
though it was a slow, but steady process.
Here’s the strategy we employed:
In 1989, I successfully recruited a group of 20-25 Altoona High graduates for an
organizational meeting where we discussed the advantages of having an alumni association that
could help our former students stay connected with each other and their alma mater.
I DID NOT make the fatal mistake of telling the group that their primary mission was to
raise money for the AASD Foundation. Had that happened, both the alumni association and the
foundation would have either failed miserably or we too would’ve become slaves to golf
tournaments, wine and cheese parties and galas!
Without worrying about bylaws or 501(c)(3)status, this group of men and women, all of
whom bled AAHS maroon and white, rolled up their sleeves and started planning events and
activities for our graduates.
An annual membership fee of $5 was established and we started signing up dues-paying
members at class reunions and through a variety of marketing efforts.
One of our earliest membership “perks” was a sharp four-page newsletter filled with
alumni features, news about the many accomplishments of school district students and the work
of the new AASD Foundation. Before too many years passed, we had so much good news to
report in this quarterly publication, it grew to eight pages.
With more than 70,000 living graduates, we were struggling to develop a national
database to enhance our efforts. In 1992, our Alumni Association convinced the Bernard P.
Harris Publishing Company to produce our first print directory. That directory has been updated
faithfully every five years so the names and addresses of graduates living all over the world can
remain as current as possible.
Our alumni database gave us important targets for both Alumni Association membership
and for gifts to the AASD Foundation. I would say this was the most-important key to our
success over the years.
The AASD technology staff developed an Access program for us so we could manage
this data effectively. We use this program to keep our Alumni Association membership records
accurate and to compile a complete AASD Foundation giving history for each donor.
The alumni directory Harris Connect produced for us in 2007 included an online
component that allowed us to reach thousands of our graduates by email. For the past six years,
we have regularly emailed biweekly updates to more than 10,000 graduates. Alumni events and
achievements, school district accomplishments and the work of the AASD Foundation remain
the major focus of these broadcast emails our alumni have come to savor along with their Friday
morning coffee.
In 1993, four years after being established, we formalized our alumni association
operations by establishing bylaws which are included in this white paper. As you will read, this
document established a 27-member Alumni Council which meets monthly to chart the course of
the organization.
The bylaws also clearly established our association objectives which include supporting
the work of the AASD Foundation.
Perhaps the easiest way to learn more about the Altoona Area High School Alumni
Association is to log onto the school district website at www.aasdcat.com and click on the
ALUMNI button.
There you will read about some of our signature projects including:
•
Our Distinguished Alumni program, which has honored 40 individuals since 2000 –
people who used their Altoona High education as a springboard to success. These
impressive honorees speak to current AAHS students during the weekend in which
they are honored.
•
Alumni Band Day, which brings nearly 200 former instrumentalists, majorettes, color
guard and silk corps members back to Mansion Park Stadium where they perform at
halftime of a Mountain Lion football game.
•
An All-Class Gathering at Jaffa Temple, which has brought as many as 800
graduates together for a dinner and dance. Men and women of all ages attend.
•
A scholarship program, which annually awards ten $1,000 grants to AAHS seniors
who will pursue post-secondary education. More than $100,000 has been awarded to
date.
With two separate boards of directors, both the AASD Foundation and the AAHS Alumni
Association have worked in partnership beautifully over these many years.
When the computer network in the school district’s public relations office needed
upgraded to successfully manage the graduate data, the Alumni Council matched contributions
from the AASD Foundation and the school district to provide the necessary money.
For more than 15 years, the Alumni Association has made an annual donation to the
AASD Foundation in support of its Teacher Grant program. That contribution has been $1,000
for more than a decade.
Many of the class reunion committees have chosen to make contributions to our alumni
association and the AASD Foundation. Speaking at 5-8 class reunions per summer over 25 years
was well worth my time. Where else could you speak to such a captive audience of ardent
supporters under one roof?
I would conclude by saying these things to those of you who have been commissioned to
raise money for your school district through a foundation:
While special events can generate a significant cash flow for your foundation, the hours
spent on these time-consuming endeavors could be much-better spent in fostering alumni
relations and building a vibrant alumni association.
Roll up your sleeves and get started. You can’t afford to bypass this most-important
mission!
Thomas M. Bradley
Retired Executive Director
AAHS Alumni Association and AASD Foundation
1987-2011
A LTO ON A A R E A
SCHOOL DISTRICT
F O U N D AT I O N
Celebrating
25 Years
of Excellence
2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
Greetings
Over the past 25 years the AASD
Foundation has promoted creativity
and innovation in the classroom and
encouraged Altoona Area teachers to
be instructional leaders. As a result,
Altoona students continue to excel
in Academics, Arts and Athletics and
the Foundation continues to be an
integral partner with the Altoona Area
School District.
Some of the notable awards and
recognitions for the 2013-2014 school
year include Altoona Area High
School named a Bronze Medal Award
winner as one of the 2013 Best U.S.
High Schools as reported in the
U.S. News and World Report; AAHS
Mock Trial Team won the 31st Annual
Pennsylvania Bar Association Statewide High School Mock Trial Competition; eight AAHS students received
all-state music honors; and Altoona
students placed at state level com-
petitions in Speech League, Student
Technology Association and Future
Business Leaders of America.
The Foundation is proud to provide
support for programs and activities
that promote student excellence. We
are thankful for the partnerships we
have formed with local businesses,
our community, our staff and Altoona
Alumni, all of whom recognize and understand the importance in providing
a public education that best prepares
students for the 21st Century workforce.
Our donors give for a multitude of reasons and we strive to provide opportunities for giving that best meet those
desires. Donor opportunities include
designated gifts, unrestricted gifts,
teacher grant partner, bequests, memorial gifts, and Named Endowment
gifts. We are increasing our online
presence making giving even easier.
Through this annual report we are
happy to share with you just a few
of the programs and projects funded
through the Foundation for the 20132014 school year. Recognizing the
importance of Early Childhood Education, we were pleased to expand our
grant opportunities to the Learning
Express Preschool program. Project
SOAR saw the second class graduate and move onto post-secondary
education and the program organizers designated their first Patron of the
Year at the year-end celebration.
In a time where budgets are tight we
appreciate your continued support
and hope you enjoy reading about
how your donations are making an
impact on Altoona students.
Paula Foreman
Executive Director
2013-2014 AASD FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Altoona Area School District Foundation is guided by a
15-member Board of Directors whose purpose is to develop, promote and finance educational programs, activities and projects
for the Altoona Area School District.
Board members were elected at the Annual meeting on June
4, 2014. Those newly elected members include Lisa Hann, Jim
Kuhn, Vicky Mirenda, Chris Reighard and Barry Wright. Officers
for the 2014-2015 school year include:
Thomas M. Foose: President
Eric Irwin: Vice-President
Jeffrey Knott: Treasurer
Jim Oswalt: Secretary
A very special thank you to outgoing Board members Mike Folcarelli, Dave Kimmel, Michael Kranich, Jr., Barbara Lovell and
Michael Pennington. We appreciate their dedicated service to
the students of AASD.
The 2014-2015 AASD Foundation Board Members include:
Sherry Buck, Peggy Cawthern (AAHS Alumni Association
President), Thomas Foose, Stephen Foreman, Lisa Hann, Kris
Hallinan (Development Officer), Eric Irwin, Steve Kasun, Jeffrey
Knott, Jim Kuhn, Vicky Mirenda, Jim Oswalt, Chris Reighard,
Amy Rosensteel, Frank Swalga, Jonathan Thaler and Barry Wright.
2
The AASD Foundation provided financial support to
members of the Altoona Area Junior High School’s
Livewire online newspaper staff to travel to New York
to accept the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) Silver Crown Award.
AAJHS instructor Wanda Vanish and her students
attended the CSPA convention to accept the award
and while there attended workshops presented
throughout the week.
To view the online paper, visit livewire.aasdcat.com.
Educational Improvement Tax Credits Program
Venture and Educator-in-Residence Grants
Supported by Business Tax Donations
The AASD Foundation is an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) through the Department of
Community and Economic Development. As an approved
EIO, the AASD Foundation can utilize tax credit donations from businesses to support innovative programs at
the district.
Singers, a new vocal instruction opportunity for 5th and 6th
grade students.
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program
allows businesses to direct tax dollars to the AASD Foundation to help supplement funding of innovative programs
that the district is unable to fund locally. The tax dollars
stay in the community having a direct affect on the education of the future workforce.
Companies interested in participating in the tax credit
program need to apply to DCED, www.newpa.com/eitc.
Applications are due on July 1st of each year and is on a
first come, first served basis.
The Foundation received more than $32,000 in tax credit donations from ten businesses during the 2013-2014
school year.
2013 - 2014 TAX CREDIT DONORS
Altoona First Savings Bank
A business approved for tax credit receives 75% credit
for a one-year commitment. For a business who makes a
two-year commitment, the credit increases to 90%. Eligible
businesses may take up to $300,000 in tax credits per year.
Blair County Resource Recovery Facility, Inc.
First Commonwealth Bank
Giant Food Stores
Family Theatre continues to be the largest benefactor of
the EITC donations received annually. This Educator-inResidence Program involves 3,000 Altoona Area elementary students who are given the opportunity to attend a
Family Theatre production at the historic Mishler Theatre.
Lexington Investments, LLC
Lexington One, Inc.
Lexington Two, Inc.
M & T Bank
The EITC program also assisted in funding Teacher
Venture programs that included a Chemistry Symposium,
Serving Both Sides of the Table: Promoting Business
Etiquette and Career Acquisition Skills; and the Logan
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Reliance Bank
Three Altoona Area School District retired employees
were honored for their years of service at the annual
retiree dinner sponsored by the AASD Foundation.
This dinner takes place during American Education
Week at Logan Elementary School.
Those honored included from the Greater Altoona
Career and Technology Center, William Stoner, Jr.;
Painter and Tradesman, Dick Garlick; and elementary
teacher and coordinator of the AASD Quality Management System, Bill Bradley. These award winners
served a combined 94 years in our school district.
Thank you!
Left to Right
William Stoner, Jr., Dick Garlick, Bill Bradley, AASD Foundation
President Tom Foose
3
Mountain Lion Pride
Ve n t u r e G r a n t f o r Te a c h e r s P r o g r a m
Since 1988 the AASD Foundation has awarded 469 Teacher Venture Grants totaling $307,384. The grant program continues to be the largest initiative of the Foundation. The grant awards reward teachers for their innovative and creative ideas
by providing resources to best affect student achievement in the classroom.
The Foundation currently partners with 58 businesses and individuals. Thirty-four teacher venture grants were awarded
in the 2013-2014 school year with students from Pre-K to 12th grade participating. The Teacher Grant Partner program
is designed to connect our community to the classroom. Each year grant partners are provided with a list of the grant
awards and encouraged to align with one or more of the grants. Teachers provide a regular update on the grant program
and extend an invitation to the partner to observe the grant and to see the impact their donation is making on student
achievement.
Below are a few examples of grant awards for the 2013-2014 school year. A complete listing of projects can be found at
www.aasdfoundation.org.
THE LEARNING EXPRESS QUILTING BEE
Parents, students and staff at the Learning Express Preschool at Washington-Jefferson cooperated to make two large fabric bee-themed quilts. This school-wide project symbolized working and
coming together as one community while demonstrating traits of kindness. Students and their
families worked together as they became familiar with the process of quilting. Teachers read the
Kindness Quilt to students and students learned about quilting. A parent/child activity was held on
positive behavior techniques and parents were able to make a quilt square with their child using
fabric crayons. In the end 92 parents participated and nearly 400 quilt squares were made. Lori
Bigelow, a Learning Express staff member and quilter assisted with the completion of the quilts
which are now displayed throughout the school for students, parents and staff to enjoy.
REPURPOSED ATHLETIC UNIFORMS
AAHS students in Ms. Jeffie Singo’s Specialty Fashion classes worked on designing and creating drawstring bags made from old Altoona athletic uniforms. The project was designed to give
students the opportunity to collaborate, brainstorming possible ideas for re-purposing the uniforms, identifying who might be interested in receiving the end product, how the product might
be used, complete and submit sketches of a design for the product, and construct the product
using proper sewing techniques. The grant project was designed as an enrichment activity to
the curriculum and to help develop a sense of community service in the students. Students
were able to complete 10 drawstring bags during the 2013-2014 school year. As there are
many uniforms available to re-purpose, this project will continue to be offered to future students
in the Specialty Fashion classes. The bags will be distributed to fellow students in the coming
school year as prizes for different activities.
THE LOGAN SINGERS
Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Jamie Hillard, the Logan Singers grant was
designed to provide 5th and 6th grade students at Logan Elementary school with an
extracurricular opportunity to learn proper vocal technique, age appropriate choral literature, and practice performing in front of a variety of audiences. Sixty-eight members
from 5th and 6th grade rehearsed one day a week for forty-five minutes. The ensemble
performances included the Altoona Area School District Retiree Dinner, Logan Holiday
Concert, Hollidaysburg Presbyterian Home Holiday Concert, Senior Life Holiday Concert, Logan Night of Music, and a special on-field performance of the National Anthem
at the Altoona Curve ballgame. In addition to the musical gain of each student, new
friendships were made and students showed a pride in being apart of the choir.
4
Excellence in Education
Educator-in-Residence Grant Program
When a visiting author, speaker, artist, musician or other expert is brought into the school great things can happen. Since
1988 the Foundation has awarded 314 Educator-in-Residence grants totaling $637,000. As a result of the program,
students have been exposed to experts who have worked with them on the process of writing; have participated in interdisciplinary workshops involving music and the arts; have designed and painted murals; and have met experts that have
capitalized on their skills and motivation to enhance the regular curriculum.
During the 2013-2014 school year, the Foundation funded nine Educator-in-Residence grants. The purpose of each grant is
to bring resource people into the classroom to share their expertise in order to enrich the curriculum lessons as well as the
classroom experience. The most notable Educator-in-Residence grant awarded for the 2013-2014 school year and one
that will not be soon forgotten for those who attended was the invitation to Original Freedom Writer, Manny Scott. Scott’s
visit to the Altoona Area High School was transformational not only for the students but also for the staff and administration.
April 3, 2014 will be a day that most
AAHS students, faculty, and staff will
not soon forget. It is the day Manny
Scott challenged students to “Turn
the Page” and it is a day that transformed AAHS like no other.
The “Turn the Page” project began
when AAHS teachers Meghan Bradley and Breanne Venios proposed a
school-wide initiative to use The Freedom Writers Diary to expose students
and teachers to fiction and non-fiction
stories about race, racism, bullying,
tolerance, diversity, and overcoming
adversity through dialogue, events
and activities that would culminate
with a visit by one of the original
Freedom Writers, Manny Scott.
As students settled into the auditorium to prepare for what they anticipated was just one more assembly
where they would be lectured on
“what not to do,” Scott quickly captured their attention as he entered the
stage quietly singing one of his favorite songs that related to his presentation. The auditorium fell silent.
Scott quickly engaged students and
faculty in an activity meant to get to
know them, asking them to stand for
things they liked, such as a singer or
a TV show and to stand for career
fields they hoped to pursue. The line
of questioning then moved to more
serious questions where he asked the
audience to stand if they have faced
challenges that involve alcohol, drugs,
violence, and other serious topics, all
of which Scott himself had endured.
The response was overwhelming,
emotional, inspiring, and powerful.
“I do not speak to impress people,
but to impress upon them some
invaluable lessons that could
literally change the quality of
their lives forever.”
-Manny Scott
Manny Scott in one short day was
able to demonstrate no matter who
we are or how difficult our circumstances may be, we can overcome
and choose to “turn the page.”
Following the two one-hour assemblies, students returned to their
homeroom class to participate in
planned activities related to Scott’s
visit. Several breakout sessions were
held with students and faculty to discuss Scott’s presentation, its impact,
and what, as a school community,
can be done to continue to implement
positive changes at AAHS.
One activity was the use of Post-It
Notes where students used fluorescent notes to post powerful,
encouraging words on one side of
the bridge. On the other side of the
bridge were notes posted demon5
strating hurtful words students had
experienced. As notes were posted and students began to read the
words, student leaders insisted that
the negative words should not remain
and began to post positive words using the fluorescent notes in response
to the negative words.
In preparation for Scott’s visit, students kept their own journal in English class. An anonymous journal entry from each AAHS student was later
compiled and published into AAHS’
own book entitled, AAHS Th!nking
Write: Writing the Next Page.
“Words can’t express enough the
impact Manny Scott and this entire
experience has made on the AAHS
community,” said Meghan Bradley.
“It is more than we ever expected.”
An Educator-in-Residence grant
funded through the Foundation, the
scope of this project is far reaching.
It inspired Altoona students, strengthened Altoona teachers, changed
Altoona Area High School, and saved
student lives. “I’ve failed suicide 3
times,” said one student. “I was going
to kill myself this weekend. You have
saved me from doing that. It amazes
me that someone like you would take
time to speak to a teenager. Thank
you for that.”
We will never know the total impact
Mr. Scott made on those who attended that day. For more about Manny
Scott go to www.mannyscott.com.
AASD F o u n d at i o n is a P R OU D S PON SOR of:
Family Theatre
Altoona Area School District elementary students have been attending Family
Theatre presentations at the historic
Mishler Theatre since 2005. During
the 2013-2014 school year nearly
3,000 students attended one of the
productions. Shows offered during the
2013-2014 season included Peter Pan,
Madeline & the Bad Hat, Jingle ARRGH the Way, One Night in Frogtown,
and The Monster Who Ate My Pass.
Leadership Blair County Youth
Tenth grade students across Blair
County participate in an 8-month leadership program that prepares students
for leadership roles and educates
them on the county’s heritage, culture and workforce opportunities. The
Blair County Chamber of Commerce
program aims at developing youth
leaders in Blair County. Five AAHS
students participated in 2013-2014.
Digital Divide
Challenge Award winners
The Challenge Program
The Challenge Program rewards
AAHS students in grades 10-12 with a
cash reward for meeting “The Challenge” in five of the following categories: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service, Academic
Excellence, and STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math).
For 13 years the Digital Divide program has served as a resource for
junior high students who may not
have access to home computers and
Internet. The Internet Cafe, staffed
by faculty and open before and after
school, is a place where students can
utilize online resources, print assignments, and get additional assistance
from teachers if needed. More than
4,500 students utilized the Cafe during
the 2013-2014 school year.
Homerun Against Drugs
A Young Readers Council program
aimed at educating 2nd grade students about the dangers of tobacco,
alcohol and illegal drug use. Students
attend an assembly program that includes a visit from Homer who delivers
an autographed individualized book
just for them!
2013 - 2014 Teacher Grant Partners
The following businesses and individuals listed below have made donations of $500 or more to support the AASD
Foundation Teacher Grant Program Each grant partner is given the opportunity to align with a grant project and receive
regular updates from the classroom teacher on the grant process and its effectiveness. Partners are also invited into the
classroom, if they desire, to see first-hand the impact of their donation dollars.
Altoona Mirror*
The DeGol Organization
Boenning & Scattergood of Pittsburgh*
DelGrosso Foods
Burgmeier Hauling*
Evolution Physical Therapy
Cohen & Grisby, PC of Pittsburgh*
FIberCom, Inc.
Mike and Jim Folcarelli*
Paula & Jim Foreman
Tom and Sheryll Foose*
Christopher Gable
Howard Hanna Johnston Realty*
Galliker Dairy
Mike & Jim Folcarelli*
Gazette Printers
Irwin Financial, Inc.*
Charles & Mickey Haas
Bob & Joan Lozinak/ Altoona Curve*
The Hite Company
Metz & Associates,Ltd.*
Jerry & Judy Hymes
Mike Ventre Excavating & Demolition*
JCPenney
Shirley Pechter*
John & Dede Kazmaier
Pro Active Sports*
C. David Kimmel
Ritchey’s Dairy*
M & T Bank
S & T Bank*
Dr. Dennis & Gerry Murray
Seltzer Financial Strategies*
James Oswalt
US Foods*
Dr. Thomas B. & Kathy Otto
AAHS Alumni Association
Dr. Mary Louise Ray
Altoona Pipe & Steel
S.J. McCloskey Builders, Inc.
Andrews & Beard Law Offices
Sheetz, Inc.
Blair Candy Co., Inc.
Shields Trophy
The Blair Companies
Thomas R. Smith
Tom & Lisa Bradley
United Datacom Networks, Inc.
William P. Bradley
Vale Wood Farms
Brumbaugh Insurance Group
Word Processing Services
Carnegie Equipment
Cynthia Yeager Law Offices
Coldwell Banker Town & Country Real Estate
Young, Oakes, Brown & Co., PC
D.C. Builders, Inc.
Your Building Centers
*Denotes a gift of $1,000 or more.
6
Altoona High Alumni Continue to Support Project SOAR
The positive impact Project SOAR is making on the lives
of Altoona Area students has become quite evident over
the past five years. Since the beginning of the program,
27 of the 28 students are meeting all of the SOAR (Study,
Overcome, Achieve, Reward) requirements of maintaining
a minimum 85% GPA, 90% attendance record, and a good
behavior record.
Graduates of the class of 2014 have all begun post-secondary education and graduates of the Class of 2013 are
doing well and have returned to speak with current Project
SOAR students on what to expect in college.
Bill ‘57 and Anne ‘58
Thompson were honored
at the 2014 graduate reception as the first SOAR
Patron of the Year. The
Thompsons established
the Thompson Family
Endowment in 2009 designated for Project SOAR
students and have generously supported the program since. Standing with
the Thompsons is 2014
graduate Charles Price.
Students are identified and recommended for participation in the program by teachers and counselors. Students
along with their parents make a written commitment to the
program, its policies, and beliefs. Students participate with
their mentors in monthly SOAR activities which focus on
identifying life and career goals.
Upon graduation, students who complete the requirements
of the program receive financial assistance with post-secondary education expenses. It is through our generous
donors that monies are made available to students.
One such generous donation was recently made by the
Sequoia Foundation in the name of the Neuman family.
Altoona alumni Jeff ‘63, Rick ‘66, and Nancy ‘70 Neuman
stepped forward with a $50,000 commitment to help ensure
Project SOAR students’ career goals and aspirations as
they matriculate to post secondary education. The donation made by the Neuman family will assist with tuition and
other educational costs students may incur and is a vital
component of the continued success of the program.
PROJECT SOAR BY THE NUMBERS
“The impact the Neuman family gift will have on these students is immeasurable,” said Paula Foreman, AASD Foundation executive director. “The Project SOAR program has
provided our students with a structure for identifying and
pursuing their career aspirations. The financial support from
alumni such as Jeff, Rick and Nancy Neuman help relieve
some of the financial stress that accompanies those plans.”
Avg. Cum.
GPA
Avg. Cum
Attendance
2014 Graduates
(After 4 years)
93.86%
96.33%
Incoming Seniors
(3 years in program)
93.87%
97.52%
Incoming Juniors
(2 years in program)
89.19%
97.28%
Incoming Sophomores
(1 year in program)
92.53%
97.36%
AASD Foundation 2013 - 2014
Overview of Financial Statement
UNRESTRICTED
Support & Revenue
RESTRICTED
TOTAL
6/30/14
$ 292,488
$ 210,487
$ 502,975
156,323
0
156,323
35,450
0
35,450
$ 100,715
$ 210,487
$ 311,202
748,635
777,445
1,526,080
$ 849,350
$ 987,932
$ 1,837,282
Expenses:
Grants, Projects & Services
Management & General
Support & Revenue Over Expenses
Net Assets - Beginning of Year
Net Assets - End of Year
7
Tarpey Family Music Fund Established
If you speak to Mary Ickes Tarpey ‘85 about her days at
Altoona Area High School, more than likely the conversation will quickly turn to music and how much she enjoyed
being a part of the AAHS Music Department. It was because of her high school experiences in music that she and
her husband, Randy, made the commitment to establish a
fund through the AASD Foundation to support the ongoing
efforts of the AASD Music Department.
“Our desire was in some small way to assist the music program at AASD. The AASD Foundation is one of the premier
school foundations in the state and it was our desire to support the Foundation as a member,” said Randy and Mary.
“It is our belief that the Foundation in consultation with the
leader of the AASD Music Department will use these funds
to fill unmet needs in the AASD Music Department and
allow children in the music department to continue to participate in the AASD music program.”
Sarah Adams performed at the state concert as a Jazz
Vocalist; Logan Elementary established a Logan Singers
ensemble, funded through an AASD Foundation grant; and
Juniata Elementary Show Choir completed its second year.
In April 2014 the AAHS band, majorettes, silks, orchestra,
and chorus traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC to participate in the
2014 Festivals of Music. After competitions were complete
and judging finalized, the AAHS Music Department earned
four our of five Overall Awards along with nine 1st place
awards and one 2nd place award in individual ensembles.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Tarpey Family Music
Fund can send a donation to the AASD Foundation, designated to the Tarpey Family Music Fund, 1415 6th Avenue,
Altoona, PA 16602.
The beat certainly goes on thanks to gifts such as this!
“This is such a wonderful gift and one that is greatly needed,” said Paula Foreman, AASD Foundation executive director. “This fund will provide the Music Department with the
additional resources to purchase items that are needed but
many times can’t be purchased due to budget restrictions.”
The AASD Music Department continues its tradition of excellence. In 2013-2014, 23 students participated in District
band with 20 advancing to Regional competition, eight
AAHS students earning All-State honors, and one student
musician receiving NAfME National Concert Band honors;
AASD Foundation Named Endowment Funds
Mackey Family Fund
Margaret N. Horner Memorial Fund
Thompson Family Fund
Audrea Hart Blanding Fuget Memorial Fund
Lois K. Loy Memorial Fund
Sheetz Family Fund
William P. Bradley Fund
Alfred J. Mignogna, Jr. Memorial Fund
James W. Scherden Fund
J. Leslie and Mary Ehringer Memorial Fund
Bill, Jason and Steven Wilkinson Fund
Ted and Jeanne Mock Memorial Fund
John and Gabrielle Birely Fund
John and Dede Kazmaier Fund
Lew and Billie Baker Rentel Fund
Florence K. White Memorial Fund
Altoona Area School District Foundation
www.aasdfoundation.org
1415 Sixth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
Telephone: (814)946-8424
Fax Number: (814) 946-8565
Email: [email protected]
Paul E. and Wilda B. Miller Memorial Fund
V. Joanne and Davied E. Crider Fund
Simpson Marcher Petersen Fund
O.Dale Lansberry Memorial Fund
The Dedicated Teachers Fund
Patricia A. Quintilli Memorial FUnd
G.M. Woomer Memorial Fund
Donald P. Lingafelt Memorial Fund
Patricia Sawtelle Shatzer Fund
Lois and Elton Crider Fund
Brian Morden Memorial Fund
George S. and Anna May Martin Memorial Fund
Richard Kim Sherry Fund
Darwin H. Bistline Memorial Fund
Tarpey Family Music Fund
It is through the continual support and generosity of our donors that the
AASD Foundation is able to help the students of the Altoona Area School
District achieve excellence.
Please consider the AASD Foundation in your charitable gift plan. Gifts
can be made in honor or memory of a loved one or friend. Gifts can be designated for a specific project or program. A Named Endowment fund provides a
gift in perpetuity.
For more information on how you can make a donation, contact Paula
Foreman, AASD Foundation at 814-946-8424.