DesignPhiladelphia — the region’s design festival and education nonprofit — is an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, GBCA member businesses and individuals with Pennsylvania tax liability can redirect a portion of what they already owe the state directly into DesignPhiladelphia’s design education programming, instead of it going into the general fund.
How it works:
Participants join through Friends of Education, the approved special purpose entity that manages EITC compliance and paperwork. Donors sign a simple two-year joinder agreement (minimum $5,000 per year), make their contribution, and receive a Form K-1 in February to attach to their PA state tax return.
For businesses: state credit + federal deduction:
S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, and LLCs with PA tax liability are all eligible. As an example, a $100,000 business contribution can generate a 90% Pennsylvania state tax credit ($90,000), plus — when the contribution is tied to a documented business purpose — a potential 100% federal deduction as a business expense (an estimated $37,000 at a 37% tax rate). That’s an estimated net benefit of +$27,000 on a $100,000 contribution, while funding design education for Pennsylvania students. For individuals Individuals with PA-sourced income — including owners, shareholders, partners, or members of a PA-taxpaying business — can also participate. A $10,000 contribution can generate a 90% state tax credit ($9,000), bringing the real out-of-pocket cost to roughly $1,000, with the potential for an additional federal charitable deduction in some circumstances.
Sponsorship recognition:
Donors are recognized as DesignPhiladelphia sponsors, with recognition tied to giving level — including acknowledgment across DesignPhiladelphia programming, website, and select communications. [Confirm specific sponsor tiers/benefits with DesignPhiladelphia before publishing.] Have questions? Join one of the free 30-minute EITC Office Hours sessions below, or reach out directly to Rebecca Johnson at .
Redirect your PA Taxes to Design Education For business Owners & CFOs Free 30 Minute Information Session
Tuesday, September 8th, 12pm – 12:03pm
