Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) The Common Place Scholars (TCPS) program is Educational Improvement Organization (EIO). This means Pennsylvania taxpayers may redirect their state income tax to The Common Place and receive a tax credit of up to 90%.
Our Mission.
The Common Place serves children and their families in Southwest Philadelphia through educational programs, social service, collaboration, and faith formation.
The Common Place Scholars (TCPS) is an after-school arts and enrichment program that serves students of the Southwest Philadelphia community. We provide a quality faith-based arts education and academic enrichment to students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art programs such as dance, photography, visual arts, etc. We also provide academic support through homework help and one-to-one tutoring.
Individuals (EITC).
Individuals:
- TCPS joins the EIO, Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund, a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) to pass-through partnership interest for the sole purpose of obtaining EITC credits.
- An individual who wishes to support TCPS joins the SPE by signing a joinder and making a commitment to fund the SPE. The capital contribution is due by December 15th, 2019. There is a minimum capital contribution of $3,500.
- The SPE will then receive tax credits equal to 90% of the donation amount. These tax credits will be distributed to you on a K-1 according to each individuals contribution. These credits can then be applied to your PA tax liability by your accountant. There may also be additional benefits to your Federal Tax Liability. We suggest consulting your tax advisor to maximize your overall potential tax savings.
Download our operating agreement.
Corporate Giving (OSTC):
Step 1
Complete the Department of Community and Economic Development Application.
Step 2
Once approved, your company has 60 days to make a donation to The Common Place, and send a written acknowledgment to DCED within 90 days. We will provide a written receipt.
Step 3
DCED will notify the state to have the credit applied to your company’s tax account.
Designating Gifts.
Our program allows you to direct your state income tax to TCPS, a great program whose major support is from this program. This approach offers an incredible reward for those willing to take the extra effort necessary to take advantage of it.
Please consider helping The Common Place Scholars and see your tax dollars put to use to benefit low-income families who want a better life for their children. Help break the cycle of poverty by giving them access to safe, high-quality programs.
We are happy to help.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, reach out to Doug McBrearty at 
dmcb@gulpcreek.us
