Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania’s EITC offers up to a 90% state tax credit for gifts to approved Educational Improvement Organizations, and Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is one of them.
- Act before Dec. 31, 2026. Credits are first-come, first-served, and the minimum gift through Friends of Education K-12 is $5,000.
- Always verify EIO status with Pennsylvania’s approved list before giving. Laurel Highlands Council is approved.
- Talk to your tax adviser to find the right giving strategy for your business.
- Your gift to Laurel Highlands Council makes a lasting local impact. Every dollar raised stays in the region, building leadership, character, and life skills for more than 12,100 youth.
The holiday season inspires generosity, and businesses in the Keystone State can make every gift go further. Here’s how the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) works and why Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is a smart place to put it to work.
How Pennsylvania’s EITC Program Works
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC) awards tax credits to eligible businesses and individuals that contribute to approved organizations. One category is the Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), which includes specially registered nonprofits that offer innovative programs to improve K-12 student achievement.
Why Donors Like It
Here’s how giving to a qualifying EIO can help your business save big on its Pennsylvania state tax return:
- Earn a credit of up to 90% of your contribution against state taxes.
- Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for a federal charitable deduction for some or all of your contribution.
- Some businesses can deduct the full donation federally while also receiving the state credit.
- On a $10,000 gift, a $9,000 credit leaves an estimated $1,000 out of pocket.
Which Businesses Can Participate
For EITC eligibility, donors need Pennsylvania-source income, a connection to a business that pays Pennsylvania taxes (as an employee, shareholder, partner, or member), and to be current on their state and federal tax obligations.
How Individuals Can Participate
Individuals are able to participate in EITC by signing up with an approved Special Purpose Entity, like Friends of Education K-12, our partner organization.
Verify Status and Mind the Deadline
Not every nonprofit qualifies. Only organizations registered and approved as EIOs can receive EITC gifts. Always confirm an organization’s approved status before giving.
Some important notes:
- Credits must be used by Dec. 31, 2026.
- Credits are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait.
Scouting America’s Laurel Highlands Council Is a Qualifying EIO
One example of this in action is Scouting America’s Laurel Highlands Council, a registered and approved EIO. The council partners with Friends of Education, which manages Special Purpose Entities or LLCs that receive credits from the state. By joining an entity, you redirect a portion of your Pennsylvania tax dollars to the council’s EIO program.
Here’s how to claim your credit:
- Consult your tax adviser.
- Notify the council of your intent to give.
- Request a joinder agreement from Friends of Education and designate Laurel Highlands Council.
Friends of Education requires a $5,000 minimum and passes along 100% of your gift. In February 2027, you’ll receive a Form K-1 to claim the credit on your 2026 Pennsylvania return.
Why Give to Laurel Highlands Council?
Whether you live in western Pennsylvania, western Maryland, or parts of West Virginia, or simply want to invest in young people, this council is worth your support.
Real Local Impact
The Laurel Highlands Council serves more than 12,100 youth and 3,000 volunteer adult leaders, making it one of the largest councils in Scouting America. Every dollar raised stays in the region to support youth in their own communities.
Skills That Last
- Character, leadership, and citizenship
- Teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience
- STEM learning and early career exposure
- Service and environmental stewardship
- Mentorship from volunteers, many of them former Scouts
Opportunity for All
Donations help provide uniforms, materials, and access to camps and activities that might otherwise be out of reach. Programs welcome girls and Scouts with disabilities.
Many Ways to Give
Giving options include individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment gifts, memorial and tribute gifts (a lovely holiday gesture), and planned giving. Noncash gifts, including stocks, vehicles, and camping equipment, are welcome too.
The Bottom Line
The best giving is both generous and well planned. For Pennsylvania businesses, the EITC makes a meaningful gift far more affordable, but only if you act before the Dec. 31 deadline and the credits run out. Talk with your company’s tax adviser soon and make this the season your giving works hardest.
Get Tax Credits Before They’re Gone With the Laurel Highlands Council
If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, giving to the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is your opportunity to help us empower the youth in our region to thrive and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Scouting’s programs and outdoor adventures give young people the opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. The Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders. We aim to involve every eligible child and their family in the fun and adventure of our programs.
Whether you give on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) or another date during the giving season, your donations will support vital programs for youth and help young people develop the skills and confidence to succeed.
Join us in making a positive change in our community today!
