The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a recognized Educational Improvement Organization under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC) of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through EITC, eligible Pennsylvania companies can receive tax credits equal to 75 percent of their contribution (up to $750,000 per taxable year), or up to 90 percent for two-year charitable commitments.

Companies can claim credits against the following:

• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Capital Stock Franchise Tax
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
• Insurance Premiums Tax
• Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax
• Insurance Company Law of 1921 
• Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership Partners 

Eligible entities include:

• C Corporations
• S Corporations
• Limited Liability Corporations
• Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Sole Proprietorships

How to Apply

The EITC program includes Educational Improvement Organizations, as well as Scholarship Organizations and Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations. The Academy is an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO), and businesses must apply specifically for EIO credits if they wish to support the Academy. Businesses may also apply for the other types of credits, but the total amount can be no more than $750,000. 

This year, all applicants will be required to submit applications electronically through newpa.com. Businesses renewing a two-year commitment may apply beginning May 15; new businesses may apply beginning July 1. Applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis by date submitted. Last year, credits were fully exhausted within one week.

For complete details on participation in the EITC program and the approval process through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, please visit their website. 

Why choose the Academy?

The Academy of Natural Sciences has a long history of innovative educational programs. In fact, we started working with the School District of Philadelphia in the 1930s. For 200 years, the Academy has been a leader in scientific inquiry, and the Academy’s education programs have always helped to develop scientific literacy in Philadelphia. Currently, there are two programs which qualify for support through Pennsylvania’s EITC program: Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) and Supporting and Enriching Natural Science Education in Schools (SENSES). 

Women In Natural Sciences (WINS)

WINS is a free, summer and after-school mentoring and science enrichment program for high school-age young women, particularly from economically disadvantaged families and schools. WINS was founded in 1982 to encourage female students to enter science fields. Through weekly workshops and monthly field trips, students have the opportunity to work directly with the Academy’s scientists and collections. As a result of the program’s mentoring and support, 100 percent of WINS students graduate high school, and more than 96 percent go on to college.

WINS provides young women with the information, encouragement, and confidence they need to shape their futures. In addition to a strong emphasis on academics and science, WINS also provides a uniquely nurturing environment, a community of like-minded friends, and experiences not typically found in school.

Supporting and Enriching Natural Sciences Education in Schools (SENSES)

Founded in 2004 and expanded in 2008, SENSES is an innovative program that reaches underserved students in the Philadelphia region. SENSES provides free or reduced-cost museum visits and gallery lessons and “Academy on the Go” outreach programs for Title I schools (schools with large concentrations of low-income students that receive supplemental funds to assist in meeting their educational goals). The Academy works with the School District of Philadelphia to identify participating schools that meet these criteria. SENSES is especially effective with students who do not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.  These high-quality science experiences incorporate science across the curriculum and help students develop 21st-century skills, including information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness, to face real-world challenges.

More Information

Please download the brochure about Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC).

For more information about donating to the Academy through the EITC program, please contact:

Caitlin O’Brien
Executive Director of Development
obrien@ansp.org
215-405-5079

The official registration and financial information of the Academy of Natural Sciences may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.