Businesses Donate More Than $34k to BCCC Programs for Children

Over the last six months, local businesses have contributed more than $34,000 to support programs at Bucks County Community College that serve the younger set, according to a press release from the college.

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

“Our community partners do a great job making sure that our children have engaging programs that excite them about the arts and sciences,” said Jean Holmes, Development Manager for the Bucks County Community College Foundation, the fundraising arm of the college. 

The contributions since July 2012 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. 

“It is a double pleasure as an alumnus of the college and representative of Waste Management to present this donation to the Foundation,” said Charles Raudenbush of Waste Management, which made a $10,000 donation. “Waste Management wholeheartedly supports the Foundation and its efforts.”  

Republic Bank contributed $5,000 through the EITC program. 

“Republic Bank is committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said Sharon Hammel, Senior Vice President at Republic Bank. “The BCCC Foundation enables us to help educate the youngest members of our communities and in doing so, we make a positive impact on the future. The better educated our children, the better our society will become.”

Another contributor was First Priority Bank, which donated $5,000.

“It is great that First Priority is able to partner with a worthy organization like Bucks County Community College,” said Mike Johnson, President, Commercial Loan Division at First Priority Bank. “It is our privilege to be able to help support the education of our children.” 

In addition, Milestone Bank contributed $12,500 this year, and Charon Planning donated $2,000. Since the EITC program began in 2009, $116,500 has been raised to help the College offer programs for school-age children.

For more information about the EITC program, contact Jean Holmes at 215-968-8417 orholmesj@bucks.edu.