New York State Tax Credit Program

How Tax Credits Work

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar amount that taxpayers can claim on their return to reduce the income tax they owe. Eligible taxpayers can use tax credits to lower their tax bills and potentially increase their refunds. The tax credit is nonrefundable. Once a taxpayer’s liability reaches zero, they will not receive any remaining amount back as a refund.

Benefits of the NYS Tax Credit Program

By contributing through this program, you directly support FLCC students and reduce your tax bill. As a donor, you will receive the following tax benefits:

• 85% of the authorized gift can be used as a New York State tax credit toward your tax liability for 2026 only.
• 15% of the authorized gift can be used as a federal tax deduction.

Because a tax credit reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar, you can significantly lower the amount you owe. However, credits are non-refundable and cannot exceed your NYS tax liability.

Proven Impact

Last year, generous donors helped FLCC raise more than $40,000 through the SUNY Impact Foundation Tax Credit Program. We're excited to build on that success by helping even more donors maximize the impact of their charitable giving while investing in the future of Finger Lakes Community College.

Eligible Gifts

This is a limited-time opportunity with the following eligibility criteria:

• NYS residents or individuals who have NYS tax liability.
• Minimum gift of $10,000 and a maximum gift of $100,000.
• Only gifts of stock, cash (via wire transfer or credit card), or a combination of the two are accepted.
• Checks are not accepted.

Note: Gifts from donor-advised funds, family foundations, S corporations, and IRAs are not eligible for this program.

Choose Where Your Gift Makes an Impact

Eligible personal gifts of $10,000–$100,000 may be designated to nearly any eligible non-scholarship fund at FLCC, including:

• The FLCC Fund
• Academic programs and workforce initiatives
• Capital projects and facilities
• Student success initiatives
• Any other eligible non-scholarship fund that aligns with your philanthropic interests

Note: Gifts to student scholarships do not qualify under SUNY’s guidelines.

Donation Process and Timeline

Ready to donate through the New York State Tax Credit Program? Keep track of the following dates.

Additional information

• You can direct your gift to any campus priority you want to support, create a new fund, or make a payment on an existing pledge.
• The tax credit must be used during the 2026 tax year; it cannot be carried forward.
• If you choose to donate $10,000, it may be prorated below the program’s original minimum but will still qualify for the tax credits.
• The University at Buffalo Foundation will handle stock transfers. Rest assured, the funds will go to Finger Lakes Community College.
• The SUNY Impact Foundation charges a 2% processing fee on all gifts, and a 2.98% fee is charged on credit card gifts.

Questions?

Contact the FLCC Foundation Executive Director at 585-642-9700 or Brie.Chupalio@flcc.edu.