In 2001 when the Church of Altoona-Johnstown celebrated her first century, Bishop Joseph Adamec established the Second Century Scholarship Fund as a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) for the benefit of our Catholic Schools. The Second Century Fund accepts individual charitable gifts as well as corporate contributions through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.

Since 2001, the Second Century Fund has awarded thousands of scholarships with a total value exceeding $5 million as a result of the remarkable generosity by the business community. The unique EITC tax credit program allows businesses to convert a portion of their state taxes into scholarships in exchange for tax credits of either 75%, 90% or 100%. Learn how your business or employer can claim tax credits on our "How to Give" page.

The Second Century Fund continues to be approved annually by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development as an official "Scholarship Organization" and "Pre-K Scholarship Organization" of the EITC program. Our fund is administered and managed through the guidance of a board of directors which includes Diocesan administrators and members of the Diocesan Finance Council.

The Diocesan Development Office in Hollidaysburg assists businesses and schools in securing contributions, while the Diocesan Education Office is responsible for distributing scholarships.

Our current Gift Acceptance & Scholarship Distribution Policy may be viewed here.