Turn Your State Taxes Into Scholarships for Jewish Day Schools
Did you know you can transform your Pennsylvania state taxes into scholarships for students in Jewish day schools and preschools?
Through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, individuals and businesses can receive a 90% state tax credit by contributing to approved scholarship organizations. These contributions provide critical tuition assistance to low- and moderate-income families, ensuring more children have access to a strong, values-driven Jewish education.
Even if you are not directly connected to Jewish day schools, this is a powerful way to help the next generation thrive — by transforming your tax dollars into a meaningful investment in Jewish life.
Why Participate?
You already owe the taxes — why not direct them to a cause that matters to you?
Investing in Jewish education ensures the next generation remains deeply connected to heritage and traditions.
Jewish day schools help students develop pride in their identity and the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.
You can click here for more information about each school that FJDS supports.
Four Tax Credit Programs That Make a Difference
Individuals and businesses can participate in any or all of four distinct tax credit programs that support education in Pennsylvania. Three offer needs-based scholarships, while one supports educational programs in public schools.
Educational Improvement Tax Credit (Grades K–12)
Provides needs-based scholarships for students attending Jewish day schools.
Pre-Kindergarten Tax Credit
Supports preschool-aged children (3 – 6) through scholarships for Jewish early childhood programs.
Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (Grades K–12)
Offers scholarships to families living in low-achieving school catchment areas for students attending Jewish day schools.
Educational Improvement Organization
Supports public school programs that enhance Jewish and Holocaust education.
How It works
The Foundation for Jewish Day Schools (FJDS), created by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in partnership with the regional Jewish day schools, is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on providing needs-based pre-k and k-12 school scholarships as well as supporting innovative Jewish-related curriculum content for public school students.
FJDS helps businesses and individuals participate in the EITC and OSTC programs by applying directly to the state or through membership in a Special Purpose Entity (SPE).
PLEASE NOTE: Parents interested in seeking access to these EITC/OSTC scholarship funds for their child/ren must complete an application with FACTS, a third party vendor which will determine eligibility. Parents should connect with their child/ren’s school(s) for access to the application link and for further information.
To make it easy for individuals interested in supporting Jewish education in the Greater Philadelphia area, a Special Purpose Entity has been created on behalf of FJDS, called Pennsylvania Education Partnership (PEP), LLC.
Eligibility:
Any individual can use their PA personal taxes to secure a 90% state tax credit, and possibly an additional federal tax deduction, including those with W-2s, consultants, shareholders, partners or members of large firms, and some retirees.
To be eligible, individuals must:
- Have a $6,200 minimum state tax liability (which equates to an annual household income of approximately $200,000)
- Commit to a two-year participation period
For More Information:
For anyone interested in participating in the EITC program using their personal tax liability, more information can be found here, or please contact Gwen Horowitz at Gwen@paeitc.com.
NOTE: Those who pay business taxes to PA are de facto eligible and do not need a Special Purpose Entity. They should apply to the state using their business entity as indicated above. LLC, LP, S-corp, C-corp and some Partnerships.
Businesses that pay taxes to the Commonwealth complete a simple online application to participate in one or more of four educational tax credit programs. Upon approval, the taxpayer can receive a credit for 90% of their Pennsylvania state tax liability (taxes owed) for up to $1.887 million by making contributions to FJDS:
- Two year commitment, at a 90% tax credit each year are preferred.
- There is no minimum Pennsylvania annual tax liability or tax credit required of a business participant.
Application Deadline: For businesses seeking to submit an application, please adhere to the below dates. If submission is made just one day earlier, the application will be denied as the state will read it as applying for the previous year and those funds have already been spoken for:
- May 15 – as a renewing participant (either the 1st year of a new two year commitment or the 2nd year of an existing two year commitment). Participation in the program must be continuous in order to submit your application on May 15.
- July 1 – as a new participant (also if your business is returning from a hiatus in participation). If you submit any time after July 1, you will most likely not be approved this year as the last of the funds are usually distributed to July 1 applicants.
NOTE: For both dates, should they fall on a weekend, the first business day after is when the application period begins.
How to Apply
The business can apply for EITC/PKSO/OSTC/EIO by clicking here. All contributions submitted to FJDS must also be accompanied by a copy of the DCED approval letter as well as a Donation Data Confirmation form, linked below.
Please use the following resources as a guide when making your online application.
There are forms that FJDS requires you to complete when making your contribution. The 2025-2026 Donation Data Confirmation forms will be available shortly.
The Impact
For the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 1,200 Jewish day school and preschool students received more than $14.2 million in scholarships made possible through the EITC program. Your participation can help expand that reach and build a vibrant Jewish future.