2023 Appeal
We're starting our Summer Appeal! Donate Today!
This has been a busy year thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
We started the 2022-2023 school year with a new Financial Literacy Award that provides stipends to Widener University students participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program supporting the Chester, Pennsylvania community. The VITA program has operated for more than 50 years nationwide in local communities and this tax season, VITA came to Chester where six Widener students earned their Tax Preparation certifications and helped over 100 Chester residents file their tax returns. The Elsie Foundation is proud to help support such an important financial literacy initiative benefitting the Chester, Delaware County community! Our 2023 summer appeal is underway to fund next tax season's VITA program. Please help us meet our $5,000 goal, which will provide stipends for Widener students and a faculty advisor to enable them to assist Chester residents with their 2023 tax returns next year!
Every dollar you give will go directly towards our mission. All administrative costs are covered by other resources. Help the fundraising effort to change lives, one student at a time. Donate now!
Thank you to all who have donated. Read on to learn about the students you've helped so far. Together, we are making a difference - one student at a time.
Where your donations go
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
The Elsie Foundation gave its first Financial Literacy Award to Widener University to reengage with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a national program offering free tax help for eligible individuals. This past tax season, the Community Action Agency of Delaware County and Widener University partnered together to run a VITA tax clinic on Widener's campus from early February through mid-April. The Foundation's Financial Literacy Award paid stipends to the students whilst they earned their Tax Preparer certifications and filed 138 returns for Chester residents. The CAADC was so impressed with the students that they hope to work with Widener again next year!
Arielys - Fall 2022
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
Arielys is a rising Psychology major in her sophomore year at Widener University. With an Elsie Project grant, she was able to get a Dell laptop, 24" monitor, wireless keyboard, mouse, HDMI cables, a printer, and a TI-89 calculator for statistics class!
William - Winter 2020
VITA - 2023 Tax Season (for 2022 tax returns)
William - Winter 2020
William, a 17-year-old who headed to Millersville University in January 2021, asked for "anything for college" on his Christmas list. The Elsie Project answered the call and purchased him a new laptop to help him on his educational journey.
Joseph - Fall 2020
Princess - Winter 2018
William - Winter 2020
Joseph, seen here as a freshman, was aging out of the foster care system and needed financial help to acquire the technology equipment required for his college education at Widener University. The Elsie Project stepped in to assist.
Princess - Winter 2018
Princess - Winter 2018
Princess - Winter 2018
Princess was first student to receive a technology grant from The Elsie Project. She's pictured here with co-founders, Deb & Jamie McCracken.
Fundraising for The Elsie Project is Underway
Your contributions will enable us to meet our goals of providing new technology equipment and financial literacy education to students and communities in need. Thank you!
