The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. It was organized on August 1, 2000 to establish a scholarship fund for employees of local businesses and community organizations to further their professional development and community leadership, including, but not limited to Leadership Bedford County.
The Foundation was also created to fund community efforts such as planning, development, and educational projects, which will directly stimulate economic development in areas within rural Bedford County.
Although originally formed to support Leadership Bedford County efforts, the educational projects component took on much more significance with the implementation of BASICS (Businesses And Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions) and Youth Leadership Bedford County.
With the implementation of BASICS came the ability to apply to be a Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Organization. That was accomplished in February 2002. Corporations can now make contributions to the Foundation and receive Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC).
Eighty percent (80%) of EITC funds must be used for innovative educational programs that are advanced academic or similar program that is not part of the regular academic program of a public school but that enhances the curriculum or academic program of the public school.
Click here to learn more about the state’s EITC Tax Credit Program for businesses.
Chamber Foundation
Bedford County Chamber Foundation programs focus on several important areas of education including leadership, career exploration, workforce development, literacy, and work ethic.

Leadership Programs
Click here to learn more about Leadership Bedford County!
Click here to learn more about Youth Leadership Bedford County!
The traditional Leadership Bedford County program is considered one of the most valuable ongoing programs of the Bedford Country Chamber of Commerce. With more than 220 graduates having experienced the unique educational events, tours and team-building activities of LBC, representing dozens of local companies, the Bedford County Chamber Foundation is pleased and excited to present this next chapter of Leadership experience, XLBC (Extreme Leadership Bedford County.) Programs are held 3 or 4 times each year, providing opportunities for networking, self exploration, community tours and service projects. Click here for information about the next program.
Workforce & Literacy Programs
Suggestions Welcome! Every year BASICS works with both the schools and businesses to evaluate the current programs and develop other programs that we feel will most benefit the county students with career development. The BASICS steering committee is always open to feedback and ideas that will either continue or better improve our current programs.
The literacy program, which has been offered by the Chamber for more than a decade, is designed to help students appreciate the value of reading as well as gain exposure to various businesses as the volunteers visit their classrooms.