Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools is celebrating National Scholarship Awareness Month, reporting that it has doubled its need-based scholarship reach to 33,000 for Pre-K to 12th-grade students, with the $206 million in donor commitments up from $100 million the year before.
BLOCS is an administrator of the state Educational Improvement Tax Credit, Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit and the Economic Disadvantaged Schools programs.
Businesses or individuals who participate can redirect their state tax liability for up to a 99% state tax credit.
“These programs are making a difference,” said BLOCS CEO Rob Delany.
Delany, a St. John Neumann High School graduate, said the scholarship organization – founded in 1980 – is partnering with more than 500 schools during the 2025-26 academic year and has a presence in 65 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. About a decade ago, Delany said, BLOCS was concentrated in Philadelphia and its four suburban counties.
Delany said BLOCS seeks donations by telling the stories of the young people it supports.
“We really highlight our students,” he said. “They’re so smart today.”
Donors seem receptive.
“They’re inspired by our children,” Delany said.
Delany describes the work of BLOCS as “community building,” adding that the work of schools appeals to donors.
As an example, he pointed to the October announcement that St. Hubert was partnering with Holy Family to help the high schoolers earn certification in Certified Nursing Assistant and a job guarantee with Jefferson Healthcare.
Also, there’s the dual-enrollment partnership announced in April between Archbishop Ryan and Holy Family.
“You can come out of Archbishop Ryan with an associate’s degree,” Delany said.
In general, Delany said, the tuition-based schools BLOCS supports offer a safe setting and few classroom distractions. BLOCS uses parent testimonials to amplify their satisfaction to a wide audience of potential donors.
The state tax credit makes the out-of-pocket cost to donors very low.
And there’s more good news on the horizon. Beginning in 2027, a new federal education tax credit will be available for cash donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations such as BLOCS. The dollar-for-dollar credit is up to $1,700 per year.
Any taxpayer can donate, and they can designate a school to receive the funds or choose to allow BLOCS to direct the money to where it’s most needed.
BLOCS directs the money to schools, which award the scholarships to families.
“Schools know best in the community where the need is,” Delany said.
Delany said BLOCS welcomes calls and emails from donors, and encourages them to visit the organization’s website.
BLOCS will help donors through the process.
“It’s very easy to donate,” Delany said. “It’s literally four clicks on their phone and they’re done.” ••
Contact BLOCS by visiting www.blocs.org or emailing [email protected]
BLOCS team members are also available by calling 484-704-2300.
