Earlier this month, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a state budget that increases support for education. The new state budget includes an additional $25 million in tax credits through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The EITC program is broadly supported and the increase was overwhelmingly passed both legislative houses. Since the inception of the PA…

In a heartwarming ceremony on June 23, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) welcomed the 2,000 newest scholarship recipients to our program, and celebrated the accomplishments of our current and former students. Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, CEO of Wawa Chris Gheysens, and many of CSFP’s committed donors, joined students onstage to share in the excitement….

CSFP’s annual Lottery Day celebration was last month, but the momentum is still gaining for our new scholarship families as they finalize their paperwork for our awards and settle on a school for their children. We hope you saw our coverage from last month on NBC10, and in the Philadelphia Tribune, which shows new families…

The Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has $150 million reserved for Educational Tax Credits for FY2016. CSFP recognizes that the state budget impasse this past year presented some unique difficulties for donors and organizations. Please know that CSFP has been working closely with partners in Harrisburg to ensure that the application…

For the fourth consecutive year, independent charity evaluator Charity Navigator has given CSFP their highest rating for nonprofits: 4 stars. Charity Navigator bases their reviews on an organization’s fiscal health, as well as their commitment to transparency and accountability. The coveted 4-Star rating means that CSFP outperforms many other nonprofits in America. In fact, only…

A stunned Philadelphia parent said “Thank you,” through tears. “Thank you so much.” This was Angela’s reaction upon learning some great news by phone the other night. Her two sons were among 2,000 new winners selected from CSFP’s random lottery for K-8th grade scholarships. Starting next school year, the boys will be able to attend…

“Hello, I’m calling from CSFP, and I’d like to tell you that your child has been selected from our random lottery. Your family has won a K-8th grade scholarship for up to three children. Congratulations!” Hundreds of parents received similar calls last night as CSFP donors, volunteers, and current CSFP parents gathered at Franklin Square…

On February 27 and 28, hundreds of families joined CSFP at the Academy of the Natural Sciences of Drexel University to partake in CSFP’s 11th annual Weekend at the Academy. CSFP families gained access to the museum and special exhibits for a significantly-reduced admission rate, and took part in activities throughout the day. This successful…

A lot can happen by chance: CSFP scholarships, for example, are distributed by random lottery. Yet the winners of these K-8th grade scholarships (and their families) put in the hard work necessary to succeed at their chosen schools. The hard work and perseverance that our parents and children demonstrate, once given this scholarship opportunity to…

On February 7, CSFP families from across the city visited Dilworth Park’s Rothman Rink for a day full of winter activities as part of CSFP’s SuperSkate Sunday event. One hundred children and their families enjoyed ice skating and hot cocoa. During the event, families also participated in arts & crafts provided by CSFP and science…