Businesses Donate More Than $35K to BCCC Through Tax Credit Program

Over the last year, local businesses have contributed more than $35,000 to support programs at Bucks County Community College that serve the younger set, the Bucks County Community College Foundation announced.

Grants from MileStone Bank, SofterWare, First Priority Bank, Charon Planning, National Penn Bank, and Republic Bank have helped fund Artmobile, the college’s traveling outreach museum, and Kids on Campus, which provides innovative summer camps for children aged five years to early teens.

“The college is proud to be able to provide these services to the youngest learners in Bucks County,” said Jean Holmes, Development Manager for the Bucks County Community College Foundation, the fundraising arm of the college. “We’re also proud of our community partners that step up every year to make this quality programming possible.”

The contributions since July 2013 were made as part the Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, which provides tax credits to businesses that make donations to support programs that benefit school-age children’s educational programs. Companies receive a 75% tax credit the first year, which increases to 90% if the company makes the same donation for a second consecutive year. A business paying taxes in Pennsylvania can receive up to $300,000 in tax credits annually. 

Linda Bishop, Senior Vice President at Doylestown-based MileStone Bank, noted what a pleasure it is to be involved in this meaningful initiative. 

“[The bank] understands the importance of investing in quality educational programs and believes that Bucks County Community College consistently delivers them in so many ways,” said Bishop. “Our continued EITC contributions support efforts that develop foundational skills in future generations – a key ingredient in building strong communities for years to come.”

The college’s programs for youngsters are also supported by SofterWare of Horsham.

“For the past three years, SofterWare has partnered with the college to provide education onsite for over 100 employees, covering topics such as SQL, Business Intelligence, Customer Service and Decision Making,” noted Eleanor Stasio, Implementation Manager at SofterWare. “Given the excellent education that Bucks students receive, we’ve also offered them opportunities to apply for positions within SofterWare.  In support of our relationship with the college, employees of SofterWare voted to award Bucks more than $5,000 as part of Pennsylvania's EITC program.”

For more information about supporting college programs for youngsters through the EITC, contact the BCCC Foundation’s Jean Holmes at 215-968-8417 or jean.holmes@bucks.edu