Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program

Giving through the EITC program directly supports local students and allows your business to earn up to 90% of your gift back in the form of a tax credit.

The filing date is July 1 for first year applications. Businesses apply online stating what amount they plan to contribute. The DCED will notify businesses if their applications are approved.

Applications for tax credits are processed until the credits are exhausted; therefore it is important for your business to submit your application on July 1.

For more information about making an EITC contribution to Grow Pittsburgh, please contact Ryan Walsh at 412-362-4769 x219 or ryan@growpittsburgh.org

Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program is a way for businesses to enrich educational opportunities for students and earn tax credits by donating to an Educational Improvement Organization.  Through EITC, eligible businesses can receive tax credits equal to 75% of their contribution, up to $750,000 per taxable year.  The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the contribution if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years.This can mean you receive up to 90% of your gift total as a tax credit: For example, your $20,000 gift (over 2 years) could result in a credit as high as $18,000.

Grow Pittsburgh has been designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program for providing innovative educational programs that enhance the public school curriculum. Grow Pittsburgh’s hands-on school garden programs integrate garden and cooking activities into the regular classroom curriculum to support the development and education of the whole child. We teach students how to grow, cook, and eat fresh food while celebrating the many cultures and experiences of our students and our city.

By contributing to Grow Pittsburgh through the EITC program, businesses can receive tax credits while making a positive impact on both students and the environment. A full overview of the EITC Program and Guidelines can be found here.

Pennsylvania businesses or corporations can qualify if they pay any of 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
• Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
• Insurance Company Law of 1921
• Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners

Thanks to our partners who support school gardens through the EITC:

“At American Eagle Outfitters Inc, our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth, and we believe that we have a responsibility to help create positive change for future generations. That’s why we are proud to partner with Grow Pittsburgh and its School Gardens program, which helps seed the future by teaching local elementary, middle, and high school students how to grow, cook, and eat fresh food. This edible education helps to establish healthy eating habits and connects students to the earth. We are honored to help make a real difference in the lives of K-12 students throughout Allegheny County.”

–Marcie Eberhart, Senior Director – AEO Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility, American Eagle Outfitters