Donations Welcome

No Gift is Too Small

The Learning Lamp never turns a child away because a family can't afford to pay for services. This is where you come in. We are asking those who believe in the power of education to make an investment in a child. We'll use your donation to provide one-on-one instruction by a PA certified teacher to economically disadvantaged children who need help outside the classroom. It's tax-deductible, and a contribution of any size will have impact.

For instance, a donation of $25 pays for one tutoring session with a certified teacher. $50 pays for a week's worth of tutoring. We'll pair your donation with donations from other businesses and individuals to provide high-quality services for many, many children. Help us meet our goal of providing 10 or more full tutoring scholarships in the upcoming school year.

Businesses Receive Tax Credits for Preschool Scholarships

Because The Learning Lamp is an approved pre-kindergarten scholarship organization, area businesses can designate a portion of what they owe in state taxes to our preschool scholarship program and receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits.

And it's easy to do. Businesses complete a simple form and send it to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development stating their intention to take part in the pre-kindergarten tax credit program. Instead of making their check payable to the state of Pennsylvania, businesses send their check to The Learning Lamp which distributes the money to participating preschools.

“Part of First Commonwealth Bank's strategic plan is to help educate children in the communities we serve. An agency such as The Learning Lamp carries out that same mission statement by helping children of all abilities and income levels reach their full learning potential.” -- David Starry, Regional Manager, First Commonwealth Bank, a 2007 Pre-kindergarten Tax Credit Program participant

The Pre-kindergarten Tax Credit Program is designed to better prepare children for the demands of kindergarten and elementary school by providing them the opportunity to attend a quality preschool program . . . at a cost they can afford.

Questions? Call us at (814) 262-0732.

Donor Relationships and Privacy Policy

Because The Learning Lamp appreciates its supporters and aims to respect the privacy and wishes of all donors, the agency employs a strict donor relationships and privacy policy that is built to standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

Donor privacy

All donors and prospective donors to The Learning Lamp have the agency's utmost assurance that personal information, including their name, address, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, gift information, family relationships and written communication will be maintained in strictest confidence and will not be shared with other entities, including programs or collaborating organizations affiliated with The Learning Lamp.

Contact information kept confidential

The Learning Lamp does not make public or share with other entities information that is personal in nature about donors, including contact information, without the express written consent of the donor. In a situation where another individual requests information about a donor in order to make contact, the Executive Director of The Learning Lamp will make a determination whether to contact the donor. Complete information about the inquiring party — name, purpose of call and contact information — will be provided to the donor so that he or she may make contact with the individual or group, if desired.

Anonymous donors

Although The Learning Lamp endeavors to provide prompt recognition of all donors, the requests of donors wishing to remain anonymous will be honored at all times. Donors are urged to notify The Learning Lamp in writing of their desire not to have information about themselves released for public recognition, including their name, gift amount and any other personal information. This information will be noted in writing and on the database.

Mailing lists

As part of its privacy policies and procedures, The Learning Lamp does not sell, rent or exchange information about donors with other entities, including programs or collaborating organizations affiliated with The Learning Lamp, Inc.

Exclusion from solicitations generated from in-house lists

Donors to The Learning Lamp are welcome at any time to request exclusion from mailings or telephone solicitations generated from in-house lists. An officer of The Learning Lamp will clarify with the donor whether he or she would prefer to receive selective information and the timing of such or whether no information is preferred. This discussion will be noted in writing and on the database.

Solicitations free from undue influence or excessive pressure

Personal solicitations to donors will be handled sensitively and without undue influence or pressure. Donors will be provided the opportunity to give to programs within their sphere of interest and will be assured that The Learning Lamp appreciates their consideration of each request. The Learning Lamp will make every effort to determine the best solicitation request to meet the individual's interests and needs. In the case where a prospective donor declines the opportunity to give, The Learning Lamp will respectfully provide an indication of thanks and invite their participation in the future.