Cheltenham's abundance of educational, religious and charitable organizations contributes to its distinguished character. However, these organizations are also tax-exempt, even though they benefit from many municipal services, including police, fire and ambulance protection, street and sewer maintenance, etc.

To address this imbalance, the Economic Development Task Force has just launched a tax-exempt contribution program, which asks these organizations to contribute 25 percent of the real estate tax they would owe if they were not tax-exempt. Their contributions may take the form of either cash or in-kind services for the Township.

Although the program is strictly voluntary, Township officials hope that cooperation and community spirit among tax-exempt organizations will make it a success.