A Smarter Way to Support Students

Use Your Pennsylvania Tax Dollars to Build Brighter Future

Across the Lehigh Valley, families and schools are working together to create brighter futures. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley strengthens that work by helping students and families access the supports they need to succeed — and by expanding access to high-quality early learning that prepares children for success from the very start.

Through United Way Community Schools, students receive school supplies, nutritious food, health supports, and opportunities for parent engagement — helping children and families achieve lasting success. At the same time, United Way supports access to early childhood education by helping families afford high-quality learning experiences that prepare children to enter school ready to learn.

And you can fuel this work without significantly increasing your giving.

A Smarter Way to Put Your Tax Dollars to Work

Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program gives you the opportunity to decide how a portion of your state tax dollars are used — keeping them in the Lehigh Valley to strengthen education and create brighter futures for children.

Long available to businesses, this powerful opportunity is now open to eligible individuals as well.

EITC lets you turn a tax obligation into a meaningful community investment. While participation requires giving upfront, most of your contribution is returned to you through Pennsylvania tax credits and federal deductions — leaving a lasting impact far greater than the final out-of-pocket cost.

Simple. Smart. Impactful.

How Pennsylvania’s EITC Works:

1. Confirm eligibility

Individuals with annual household income of $200,000+ and a Pennsylvania tax liability may qualify.

You must also be affiliated with a Pennsylvania business (as an employee, partner, shareholder, or owner) and meet EITC participation requirements.

2. Join United Way’s Special Purpose Entity (SPE)

Through a quick enrollment process, United Way will walk you through how to join its established Special Purpose Entity (SPE).

A Special Purpose Entity is a state-approved LLC that receives and distributes EITC tax credits. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has already established an SPE, making participation simple and streamlined.

3. Make your commitment

• Choose a one-year or two-year commitment
• Send your contribution to the SPE by check or bank transfer

4. Receive your tax benefits

• Up to 90% of your contribution is returned to you as a Pennsylvania state tax credit
• The remaining portion may be claimed as a federal charitable deduction

5. See your impact

Through EITC, your redirected tax dollars support education in two important ways:

• United Way Community Schools, strengthening schools and supporting students and families in our region’s highest-need communities
• Pre-Kindergarten Scholarships, providing tuition assistance so eligible children can access high-quality early learning programs with approved organizations

A $12,000 contribution could cost less than $1,000 after tax benefits – and we’re happy to explain how.

why it matters:

Your redirected tax dollars:

• Strengthen United Way Community Schools, supporting literacy, STEM, enrichment, health, and family engagement
• Provide tuition assistance for eligible Pre-Kindergarten students through approved programs
• Help students and families meet basic needs and connect to critical resources
• Leverage your existing tax liability to create meaningful, local impact

quick faqs:

What are the tax benefits of making an EITC-qualified gift?

Participating in Pennsylvania’s EITC program is one of the most efficient ways to support education in our region. By redirecting your state tax dollars through United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, you can significantly expand your giving power while receiving substantial state tax credits and federal deductions in return.

The example below shows how a $12,000 contribution can yield powerful results:

Isn’t EITC just for businesses?

Not anymore. Eligible individuals affiliated with Pennsylvania businesses — including partners, shareholders, employees, or owners — may now participate.

What is an SPE and why must I join?

A Special Purpose Entity (SPE) is a state-approved LLC that holds EITC tax credits. It is required for individual participation in the program. United Way has already established an SPE, so enrollment is as simple as signing a one-page agreement.

How much will this really cost me?

Very little. Most participants experience an out-of-pocket cost of less than 10% of their total contribution. While participation requires an upfront contribution, donors receive tax credits and deductions that significantly reduce the final cost. Many choose to reinvest refunded dollars into future EITC participation, growing their impact year over year.

How can I learn more?

EITC credits are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. United Way will walk you through every step to determine whether this opportunity is right for you.

Don’t just pay taxes — put them to work for kids in our community.

Learn more about PreK Scholarship Giving
Learn more about Education Improvement Opportunity Giving