OUR HISTORY
Penngift Foundation has been a driving force since 2001 in expanding educational options for families across Pennsylvania. From helping draft the original Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to supporting the addition of Pre-K scholarships and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program, our leadership has played a key role in these milestones. Four board members have served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, all passionate advocates for school choice and proud supporters of every major vote to broaden educational opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.
OUR MISSION
Penngift Foundation’s mission is to help children access the education they deserve by providing scholarships through Pennsylvania’s EITC and OSTC programs. We are committed to supporting families in need and opening doors to brighter futures through quality private school opportunities.
OUR VALUES
Penngift Foundation is deeply committed to fairness and opportunity, believing every child deserves access to a quality education regardless of their family’s financial situation. We pride ourselves on transparency and responsible stewardship, working closely with schools, donors, and communities to ensure scholarships reach those who need them most. Guided by integrity and a passion for empowering families, we strive to unlock potential and open doors to brighter futures through meaningful educational choices.
Access
Promoting equal access to quality education for all students
Transparency
Maintaining openness and honesty in our operations
Integrity
Pursuing the highest standards of openness and transparency
Partnership
Building strong partnerships and community connections
Choice
Championing educational choice for schools and families
OUR IMPACT
Penngift Foundation has proudly helped thousands of Pennsylvania students attend private schools they might not have otherwise been able to afford. By overseeing millions of dollars in scholarships, Penngift provides families with the opportunity to choose the best educational environment for their children, from pre-kindergarten through high school. Through strong partnerships with schools and communities, Penngift has seen firsthand how access to quality education can transform lives and open doors to brighter futures. Penngift remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact and expanding opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.
OUR TEAM
Jerry Birmelin
Development Director & Board Treasurer
Jerry serves as Development Director for Penngift Foundation, leading efforts to expand access to private education across Pennsylvania. He brings over 22 years of experience representing the 139th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he was a strong advocate for school choice. That passion for expanding opportunity now drives his work at Penngift, where he helps connect donors and schools to families seeking better educational options for their children. Jerry and his wife Elaine are proud parents of three grown children and grandparents to several grandchildren.
Kelly Cox
Executive Assistant
Kelly serves as the Executive Assistant to the leadership of Penngift Foundation, where she plays a key role in managing daily operations and overseeing the foundation’s finances. Her professionalism and strong organizational skills help ensure that administrative and financial processes run smoothly and efficiently. She is married to Jim, is the proud mother of five children, and treasures her time spent caring for her grandson.
Jim Cox
Managing Director & Board Member
Jim serves as Managing Director of Penngift Foundation, where he focuses on expanding the organization’s reach and impact through program development, operational improvements, and process efficiency. He began his career as a Pennsylvania legislative staff member, helping draft the original EITC legislation, and later served 16 years representing the 129th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He later taught at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Jim and his wife Kelly are grateful parents of five children and grandparents of one.
Karin Hartenstine
Administrative Assistant
Karin serves as the Administrative Assistant at Penngift Foundation, where she plays a key role in maintaining an organized and efficient office environment. Using her strong organizational skills, she manages a variety of administrative responsibilities that support the smooth operation of daily activities. Her thoughtful and diligent approach helps keep the team focused and productive. She is married to Curt and has three adult children.