BSC Foundation & WV Access Center
for Higher Education Approved for
Approved for Participation of ’07
Neighborhood Investment Program

(Bluefield)—The Bluefield State College Foundation, Inc. and the WV Access Center for Higher Education (WVACHE), based at BSC, are among 140 projects that have been approved to participate in the 2007 Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP). Based on the NIP Advisory Board’s recent recommendation, 140 applicants/projects were certified for $2 million in tax credit.

The NIP was established by the West Virginia Legislature ten years ago to increase charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations. The program allows 501©3-designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers. These organizations then distribute the vouchers to businesses and individuals who contribute to the organizations and, at the same receive credits to reduce the following West Virginia taxes—Corporate Net Income Tax, Business Franchise Tax, and Personal Income Tax. Last year, the NIP enabled participating organizations to leverage approximately $4.2 million in donations.

“By donating to approved NIP organizations, contributors can support their communities and, at the same time, receive up to 50% of the contributed amount in tax credits,” noted Sarita A. Gattuso, WVACHE executive director. The minimum eligible donation upon which a tax credit can be issued is $500, with the maximum donation eligible for a tax credit being $200,000.

WVACHE has pursued its mission by providing two-year, Access Project Grants to public high schools in West Virginia, on a competitive basis. These Access Projects implement activities that encourage all students to consider college, by helping them overcome barriers to post-secondary education.

September 25, 2006