Original Article
DOYLESTOWN, PA — Through its annual participation in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Fred Beans Automotive Group has contributed $3.5 million to local organizations that provide scholarships, educational services and innovative school programs.
The automotive group pledged $500,000 in donations at the end of 2024 and is currently distributing that funding among 15 recipients. “Since 2011, we have participated in the Pennsylvania EITC Program, appreciative of the opportunity to redirect funding to support so many education-related organizations and initiatives, ” said Beth Beans Gilbert, vice president of Fred Beans Automotive Group.
“We know an investment in educational programs and experiences that promote learning and personal growth spur creativity and innovation to make us even stronger as a community.” The Heritage Conservancy, which specializes in natural resource protection and historical preservation, is a repeat beneficiary of Beans’ EITC Program funding. This year, the nonprofit received $50,000 from the automotive group.
"With this gift, we are able to support even more students in their learning about the local environment through hands-on programming and outdoor experiences,” said Shannon Fredebaugh-Siller, Heritage Conservancy community engagement programs manager. “Building these environmental connections with students will help in both their curricular learning and in their understanding of the natural world." The Bucks County Children's Museum received a $25,000 donation from Beans with plans to use the funding to support educational field trips to the museum. The museum is currently undergoing a renovation project scheduled for late 2025, which will feature a Service Station in recognition of Fred Beans’ earliest business venture as owner of the Big Oak Service Station in Lower Makefield. The unveiling of that exhibit will be aptly timed with the Fred Beans Automotive Group’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“The Service Station Exhibit will provide children with a unique opportunity to practice problem solving and social skills while making real-world connections,” said Museum Executive Director Kelly Krumenacker. “We are deeply grateful to the Beans organization for supporting educational experiences at the museum for our guests and the 4,000 school students who visit the museum each year.” Through the EITC Program, the Fred Beans Automotive Group contributed 2024 funding to the following organizations to support scholarships and programming:
- Mercer Museum, $75,000
- Council Rock Education Foundation, $50,000
- Hepatitis B Foundation, $50,000
- Heritage Conservancy, $50,000
- Chester County History Center, $30,000
- Bucks County Community College Foundation, $25,000
- Bucks County Children’s Museum, $25,000
- Bucks County Free Library, $25,000
- Bucks County Playhouse, $25,000
- Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, $25,000
- New Hope-Solebury Education Fund, $25,000
- Pennsbury Education Foundation, $25,000
- The Pennsbury Society/Pennsbury Manor, $25,000
- YMCA of Bucks County, $25,000
- West Chester Library, $20,000
