The Arc of Anne Arundel County - a nonprofit organization that provides services for people with developmental disabilities and their families - may be able to provide an extra incentive for businesses to make a donation.

Last spring, The Arc was granted $50,000 in business tax credits by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Neighborhood Partnership Program to fund an "assistive technology" program.

The funds will be used to purchase technologies - panic buttons, touch screens or a computer system - to remind individuals to go to appointments, to pay bills or to turn off the stove.

"These technologies are making the difference between living independently and having someone around all of the time," said Terri Nyman, development director at The Arc. She added that such technologies could free staff members to help other people. Nyman expects the funding will aid about 20 people.

Under the program, businesses can earn Maryland tax credits by making donations to nonprofit organizations.

The tax credits are equal to 50 percent of a donation of cash or goods and can be claimed in addition to usual state and federal deductions for charitable contributions, according to The Arc. In other words, the net benefit of a contribution can be as high as 90 cents for each dollar donated, depending on the company's tax bracket. A business can also carry the credits forward if its tax liability is not large enough.

About $1 million in tax credits has been allocated each year since 1997, according to Glenda Keel, the deputy administrator for state resources in the division of neighborhood revitalization. A wide variety of projects, from job training to health care, received tax credits to market.

Any business that is subject to state income tax in Maryland is eligible for tax credits under the Neighborhood Partnership Program. Credits are available in exchange for contributions in cash or goods of at least $500 in value.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply for funding for specific projects, and should call 410-514-7241 for information. For information about The Arc of Anne Arundel County's tax credit program, contact Nyman or Stephanie Boblitt at 410-268-8085 or 410-269-1883.