About Friends of Education

Friends of Education brings years of Pennsylvania scholarship tax-credit experience to the new federal Section 25F program. We are preparing to help donors, families and schools understand this new opportunity as implementation moves toward 2027.

scholarship opportunities kids

Who We Are

Friends of Education brings together experience in tax law, fundraising, educational development and scholarship tax-credit programs. Our team has worked with taxpayers, schools and education organizations across Pennsylvania to help navigate the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and direct funding toward educational opportunities.

Led by tax attorneys Jed Silversmith and Todd Unger, development professional Brooke Mattingly and fundraising leader Jeff Gibson, Friends of Education combines tax-credit knowledge with hands-on fundraising and school partnership experience. Our team has helped facilitate substantial EITC contributions for educational organizations across Pennsylvania and is now preparing for the opportunities created by Section 25F.

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OUR MISSION

Turning tax credits into educational opportunity.

Prepare for SGO qualification

We are preparing for Section 25F SGO qualification and developing the financial controls, scholarship procedures, documentation and reporting systems required for responsible program administration.

Connect Donors

We provide clear information to help individual taxpayers understand Section 25F contribution requirements, documentation and the potential federal tax-credit benefit.

Award Scholarships

If Friends of Education qualifies as an SGO, scholarship funds will support eligible K–12 students and qualified educational expenses in accordance with the applicable federal and state requirements.

$1,700

Maximum Annual Section 25F Credit

Cash

Qualifying contributions must be made in cash

K–12

Scholarships for elementary and secondary students

5 Years

Unused credit may generally be carried forward

WHY US

Experience Built Before Section 25F

Section 25F is new, but scholarship tax-credit work is not new to Friends of Education. Our team already works with taxpayers and education organizations through Pennsylvania’s EITC program, giving us practical experience with donor relationships, tax-credit administration, and educational fundraising.

1 Preparing for SGO Qualification

We are preparing to satisfy the federal SGO requirements and pursue inclusion on an applicable participating state’s official SGO list.

2 Clear Tax-Credit Guidance

We help donors understand the Section 25F rules, including qualifying cash contributions, the $1,700 annual limit and other applicable tax-credit limitations.

3 Direct Student Impact

The federal program is designed to turn qualifying contributions into scholarships for eligible students and qualified K–12 educational expenses.

4 Thoughtful Administration

We are developing contribution, documentation, recordkeeping and reporting processes around the requirements of Section 25F.

5 Proven Track Record

Our team has years of experience connecting Pennsylvania taxpayers with schools, Scholarship Organizations and Educational Improvement Organizations through the EITC program.

6 Compliance-Focused Approach

Our approach emphasizes clear records, responsible financial controls, accurate donor information and administration consistent with applicable program requirements.

MEET THE TEAM

Experience in tax law, fundraising and education.

Friends of Education combines tax-law experience with educational fundraising, development, and relationship management. Meet the team helping prepare our organization for Section 25F while continuing our work with Pennsylvania’s existing education tax-credit programs.

Jed Silversmith
MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jed Silversmith

Tax credit leadership and donor strategy.
Todd Unger
MANAGING DIRECTOR

Todd Unger

Tax law, compliance, and program structuring.

DIRECTOR

Jeff Gibson

Fundraising leadership and partner relationships.

Brooke Mattingly
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Brooke Mattingly

Development strategy and school support.

Ready to help expand educational opportunity?

Have questions about Section 25F, Pennsylvania participation or Friends of Education’s SGO preparations? Contact our team for current information about the federal scholarship tax credit.