Giving

The Excellence Fund is our annual, recurring effort that benefits every aspect of the LCDS experience – including arts, athletics, technology, and, of course, academics. The Excellence Fund impacts each and every student by helping to ensure the vibrancy and vigor that define our school. Because of its profound impact on the experience we are able to offer, we ask our community to make The Excellence Fund their highest philanthropic priority.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes LCDS as an approved scholarship organization within the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs allow companies to make significant contributions to LCDS and to receive 90% tax credits in return. Any business with a Pennsylvania tax liability is eligible to participate. Last year, corporate partners gave LCDS more than $350,000. Corporate gifts range from $1,000 to more than $50,000. For more information, visit the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development, our Gifts for Tax Credit or contact Shelby Lamar, our chief advancement officer.

While most of the philanthropic support that LCDS receives comes in the form of outright gifts of cash, did you know there are creative ways to support Lancaster Country Day School? Ways in which LCDS, you, and your loved ones all can benefit at the same time?

Such giving techniques are called "planned gifts," because with thoughtful planning, you create a tailored plan that benefits you, your family and LCDS. For example:

• You can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime through your will or a trust.
• You can give stock and realize larger tax savings.
• If you are over 70 ½-years-old, you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA.
• You can receive income for life in return for your gift through a charitable gift annuity.
• You can donate your house, continue to live there, and get a tax break all at the same time.

These are several of the many ways to make a planned gift to LCDS. With an ever-shifting tax landscape, it is best to seek the advice of a lawyer or financial advisor. Members of the development team are happy to begin the conversation and to help make you more familiar with the topic.

For more information, please reach out to Shelby Lamar, Ellen Simpson, or Corinne Topper.

We deeply appreciate gifts of every amount. Please click here to give online now.