Photo credit: BLOCS
By almost any measure, BLOCS – Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools – is coming off a tremendous fiscal year.
“We continue to hit a lot of milestones,” said CEO Rob Delany.
From July 1 of last year to June 30, BLOCS – Pennsylvania’s leading scholarship organization dedicated to the state Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit and the sole administrator of the Economically Disadvantaged Schools program – raised $246.3 million and this school year will be providing scholarships to 43,000-plus students statewide in Pre-K through 12th grade. That’s the most money and scholarships since BLOCS formed in 1980.
“The EDS program we administer makes up over $70 million of that, which are both record numbers. We’re so thrilled,” Delany said.
In Delany’s view, local corporate leaders donate to BLOCS because they see it as a form of workforce development.
Delany said BLOCS strives for efficiency and fiscal responsibility. More than 98 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to a student’s scholarship.
“We’re really proud of that,” the CEO said.
There are about 1,000 private schools in Pennsylvania, and BLOCS partners with more than half of them. BLOCS has partnerships with schools in 65 of the state’s 67 counties.
Delany noted that Little Flower and Roman Catholic have doubled their donor base.
“Those two schools are receiving the attention of the community and the neighborhood,” he said.
BLOCS University, in its second year, trained close to 500 school presidents and development and advancement workers in best practices and fundraising opportunities. That’s up from 175 trained in the first year.
“That’s a nice increase,” Delany said.
According to Delany, the BLOCS team has heard from families concerned about the planned closings of 17 Philadelphia public schools, causing a disruption in some students’ education. Many of those families would probably qualify for a BLOCS scholarship at a private school.
Delany was happy to see the Republican-controlled state Senate ignore House Bill 2632, which passed the Democratic-controlled House, and ensure the same level of EITC funding in the budget. Supporters of HB 2632 said the EITC needs more transparency and accountability. Opponents said the bill’s language would lead to a reduction in scholarship availability for many families.
“It’s something we have to stay vigilant about,” Delany said of threats to the EITC.
From Delany’s experience, a lot of businesses will be looking at donation options in the fourth quarter of the tax year, which begins Oct. 1.
“We’re fully geared up for our busy season,” he said.
In addition to working closely with corporate donors this fall, BLOCS has several events planned. BLOCStoberfest events will take place across the state, with one planned for Sept. 30 at Yards Brewing Company. The gatherings will include donors, students and state lawmakers.
There will be a Breakfast with BLOCS in October in Harrisburg, with elected officials invited.
In December, there will be a Toast to the Tax Credit cocktail reception, again featuring donors, students and lawmakers. ••
More can be found at www.blocs.org.
Photo credit: BLOCS
