The Bedford County Chamber Foundation

The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. It was organized on August 1, 2000 to establish a scholarship fund for employees of local businesses and community organizations to further their professional development and community leadership, including, but not limited to Leadership Bedford County. The Foundation was also created to fund community efforts such as planning, development, and educational projects, which will directly stimulate economic development in areas within rural Bedford County.

Although originally formed to support Leadership Bedford County efforts, the educational projects component took on much more significance with the implementation of BASICS (Businesses And Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions) and Youth Leadership Bedford County.

With the implementation of BASICS came the ability to apply to be a Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Organization. That was accomplished in February 2002. Corporations can now make contributions to the Foundation and receive Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC). Eighty percent (80%) of EITC funds must be used for innovative educational programs that are advanced academic or similar program that is not part of the regular academic program of a public school but that enhances the curriculum or academic program of the public school.    CLICK HERE to learn more about the state's EITC Tax Credit Program for businesses.

Bedford County Chamber Foundation programs focus on several important areas of education:

Leadership

Career Exploration

Workforce Development

Literacy

Work Ethic