North Haven residents voted at a June 22 public hearing to allow the Landcraft Fife and Drum Corps to seek corporate donations for energy conservation improvements to their headquarters, through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act.

The act allows corporations to take multiple tax deductions if they bestow donations to non-profit organizations which seek funding for energy saving uses, as well as other community improvement programs. The non-profit organizations must first have their requests for donations approved both by their town and the state, according to Corps president John McGuire. However, Connecticut has generally been quick to pass any town-approved requests, according to CPA and Corps treasurer Dan O’Mara.

The Landcraft Corps is hoping to raise a total of $20,300 through any number of donations to improve the energy efficiency of Moriarty Hall, their 62 Clark Ave. property, O’Mara said. The proposed improvements include the installation of solar panels and an on demand water heating system, as opposed to a less-energy efficient hot water holding tank.

Corporations who donate to Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act approved non-profit organizations specifically to fund energy saving measures can deduct from their state and federal returns, O’Mara said, and will also receive a state tax credit equal to 100 percent of the amount donated. This way, O’Mara said, the companies come out ahead.

“That’s why the state made this so attractive,” O’Mara added, “to make corporations want to do this.”

Corporations can also donate to Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act approved non-profit organizations for specific measures that are not centric to energy-conservation, including funding for neighborhood assistance, education, child care services, employment and training programs for the handicapped or unemployed workers over 50, and programs which assist those around or below the poverty level. Corporations which donate to fund programs not centric to energy-conservation will only receive a state tax credit equal to 60 percent of the amount donated, in addition to the applicable tax deductions.

Location does not matter for the organizations which donate money to the non-profits. “The organizations do not have to be from the town of North Haven,” McGuire said, “but all the better if they are.”

“They would be gaining a lot in giving back to a community organization,” McGuire added of corporations which donate through the act, “plus, all the publicity that comes with it.”

The Landcraft Fife and Drum Corps is headquartered in North Haven and includes 45 members, originating from all over the country. A mainstay of local parades and celebrations, the corps is recognizable by their historical American dress, music, and instruments.

Any donations made to the Landcraft Fife and Drum Corps in light of the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act must be made by Dec. 31, 2009, O’Mara said, with a donation commitment deadline of Dec. 15.

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