Summer 2026: Barriers Broken

Breaking Barriers Campaign Newsletter

Pennsylvania 26-27 Budget Update

Pennsylvania has a new budget for the 2027 fiscal year. The budget includes continued allocations for EITC/OSTC tax credit scholarships, which are vitally important for CSFP’s mission.

Dollars set aside for the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs remain steady for this fiscal year, with $680 million total in tax credits. $485 million is available through EITC and $90 million is available for OSTC. Donor tax credit levels and reporting requirements remain unchanged. CSFP will continue to advocate to expand this program and strengthen its impact for students and supporters.

CSFP works relentlessly to ensure that Philadelphia families have access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of zip code. We celebrate the fact that there were no program decreases in the budget that would have adverse consequences for the thousands of families that CSFP serves. We must increase opportunities for all children, as the demand for scholarship dollars outpaces the supply. We hope that now and in the future, legislators will see the positive impact of scholarships as they continue these important budget conversations.

How Tax Credits Make Scholarships Possible 

The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are primary funding sources for CSFP scholarships. The program was founded in 2001, so this year, both CSFP and EITC celebrate big milestones!

In 2025, EITC/OSTC donations accounted for 81% of the organization’s scholarship funding. This Pennsylvania-supported program empowers donors to help students attend schools that best meet their needs—it has a lasting impact on children across the state. 

If you or your business has tax liability in Pennsylvania and would like to have a meaningful impact on the lives of Philly kids, please contact Meghan McCormick at [email protected] for more information about how to get involved with the EITC/OSTC programs. 

Fresh Perspectives: Student Art Showcase

CSFP kicked off our Fresh Perspectives: Student Art Showcase on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Fresh Perspectives began with a desire to engage Philadelphia families that CSFP serves – often those who live in under-resourced neighborhoods across the City – to participate in the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.  Watch this interview with CSFP’s President & CEO, Keisha Jordan, from the kickoff event to hear more. 

The exhibit featured nearly 200 pieces on display in the Tuttleman Gallery. More than 350 students in grades 4-8 from 13 CSFP partner schools participated in this project, creating pieces ranging from from 3D sculptures, to sketches of landmark Philadelphia buildings, mixed media self-portraits, and mosaic pieces.

This exhibit was made possible through the generosity of CSFP Board Chair Margaret Dinneny, the Danaher Lynch Family Foundation, the Jordan Family Equity Fund, and Amerihealth Caritas. We are also grateful to our partners at Independence Mission Schools, Our Mother of Consolation School, and PAFA for helping bring this exhibit to life.

The exhibit was on display at PAFA through July 27, 2026, and will be on display again at City Hall in September. Stay tuned for more information about viewing the artwork at City Hall. Additionally, a selection of artwork created for the exhibit will be available at CSFP’s 25^th anniversary event for auction.

Scholarship Stories: Celebrating 25 Years of CSFP

Join us to celebrate 25 years of hope, opportunity, and success at Scholarship Stories. Be transported to a whimsical oasis in Fairmount Park, honor U.S. Representative Dwight D. Evans and others, celebrate 25 years of CSFP’s legacy, learn about alumni outcomes, and more. Mailed invitations are going out soon, but don’t wait! RSVP today!   

Supporter Spotlight: Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Since CSFP’s early years, Bala Cynwyd-based Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) has given back by supporting the organization through a combination of EITC/OSTC contributions, outright gifts, and volunteer leadership. As of the end of 2025, the company has supported more than 2,600 scholarships for students across the City. To deepen their impact, in 2026, PHLY has committed to sponsoring our Scholarship Stories event as a Visionary Sponsor.  

PHLY has been one of CSFP’s greatest champions, making our mission possible with their support and volunteerism.  

Impact in Action: Board Member and School Leader Story

Leanne Clancy, Director of Admission & Financial Aid at Greene Street Friends School, has served on CSFP’s board for six years and been a long-standing school partner since prior to her board leadership. Since the beginning of our partnership with Greene Street, nearly 200 students have received scholarships! We asked Leanne how scholarships impact families at her school.  

Breaking Barriers Campaign Updates

• To date, we have raised $61,926,317 through the Breaking Barriers Campaign (as of July 24, 2026).  
• 6,859 students awarded scholarships during the 2025-2026 school year.
• 97 camp scholarships provided through Camp Connections in 2026.
• 747 campaign donors

Stay in the Know

In addition to Pennsylvania’s EITC and OSTC programs, the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program will make scholarships more accessible to students across the country in 2027. This program is also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit. Twenty-nine states have opted to participate in this program and CSFP is advocating for Pennsylvania to join the majority of states by opting in quickly. We invite you to stay up to date as we await guidance and next steps: https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/federal-scholarship-tax-credit/ 

The U.S. Treasury and the IRS expect to issue proposed regulations for the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship by no later than the end of September. CSFP will share more information as it becomes available.