Propel believes that public schools can prepare all students for success in life, regardless of their circumstances. Our results prove that it is possible. Over the past nine years, Propel Schools has been fortunate to have the support of philanthropic partners who believe in our vision of being a catalyst for the transformation of public education in Southwestern Pennsylvania so that all children have access to high performing public schools.

Now, as we strive to open new schools and increse the number of children that we serve, philanthropic support continues to be critical to expanding Propel's impact. We need a diverse funding base to reach the 2,600 families on our waiting lists, who are eager to enroll their children in a Propel school. Propel is ready to meet the demand for new schools, and your support can make this possible!

Click here to make an online donation to Propel Schools. Please note that Propel can accept online donations with Visa and Mastercard only.

Choose to make an annual gift, a monthly gift, or a one-time contribution. Every dollar counts! Here are some examples of the programs that your gifts make possible:

Give to Propel Through the Pennsylvania’s EITC Program (EITC)

What is EITC?
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, enacted in 2001, provides eligible businesses with a 75% tax credit for donations made to educational improvement, scholarship or pre-kindergarten scholarship organizations. The tax credit increases to 90% if the company commits to making the same donation for two consecutive years. A business paying taxes in PA can receive up to $750,000 in tax credits annually if approved by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and tax credits are still available. EITC donations help support Propel Schools’ innovative educational programming for K-12 students.

What type of EITC organization is Propel?

Propel Schools Foundation is an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO).

Who can make an EITC donation?

If your business is profitable and pays one of these PA taxes below, it is likely to be eligible:  

• Capital Stock Franchise Tax

• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax

• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax

• Insurance Premiums Tax

• Mutual Thrift Institution Tax

• Insurance Company Law of 1921

• Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners

• Corporate Net Income Tax

Work with your accountant or financial manager to make the determination, visit www.newpa.com or call the DCED at 866-466-3972.  

Where do I get an application?
Application materials are available from the DCED at www.newpa.com.  Type “EITC” in the search field.  In addition to the simple online application, A Business Application Guide-EITC Handbook is also posted on this website.  A paper signature page is required this year, in addition to the online submission. Click here for more information.

When do I submit the application?
Tax credits will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are quickly exhausted, so it is important that your application is timely submitted.  The DCED will begin processing applications on these dates (this year, there are two different deadlines):

• May 15, 2013 for businesses who have completed a 2-year commitment and want to reapply in FY 13-14 to renew their 2-year commitment; or for businesses in the middle of a 2-year commitment

• July 1, 2013 for all other businesses.

What Happens Once My Business is Approved?
Within 60 days of your notification letter, you will need to make your contribution to the Propel Schools Foundation.  We will then provide you with proof of your contribution, which needs to be submitted to the DCED within 90 days of your notification letter.  Tax credits must be used in the tax year the EITC donation was made—they cannot be carried forward or backward, and are not refundable or transferable.

Questions? Contact:

Lori Brenner, Director of Development

Propel Schools
3447 East Carson Street, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-325-7305 x1280
loribrenner@propelschools.org