Blunt Announces $547,370 in Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits for Three Missouri Not-For-Profit Organizations

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – December 29, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has approved $547,370 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits for three Missouri not-for-profit organizations.

Church Army Branson, Branson, has been approved for $47,370 in NAP tax credits. Church Army Branson will direct funds from this NAP project to its Parent Child Partnerships in Learning (PCPIL) program. PCPIL is a comprehensive program designed to help families achieve and maintain a better lifestyle that is free from abuse and neglect. Programming includes parenting and life skills classes; tutoring for school-age children; GED education and testing; child care; transitional housing assistance; and recovery services.

Enhancements, Inc., Potosi, has been approved for $250,000 in NAP tax credits. Enhancements, Inc., a sheltered workshop serving Washington County, provides employment for citizens with disabilities throughout the area. This NAP project will enable Enhancements to acquire the vacant Town and Country supermarket building in Potosi for the consolidation of its manufacturing/assembly and recycling divisions as well as to increase the number of clients employed.

Better Family Life, Inc., St. Louis, has been approved for $250,000 in NAP tax credits. Better Family Life will utilize the funds generated from this NAP project to aid in the renovation of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School for the purpose of creating the Better Family Life Cultural, Educational and Business Center (CEBC). Job, life and specific skill-based training; financial literacy and asset building education; and various social service programs will be included among the array of services offered at the CEBC.

The DED administers the Neighborhood Assistance Program that helps not-for-profit organizations raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.

Businesses can donate cash, materials, supplies or equipment; technical assistance and professional services; labor; real estate; or stocks and bonds. Credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total amount contributed or up to 70 percent for projects located in most rural areas.

Not-for-profit organizations participating in the NAP program conduct capital campaigns or provide services in the areas of crime prevention, education, job training, physical revitalizations, or community services. The Neighborhood Assistance Program is utilized by not-for-profit organizations throughout Missouri to make their communities a more desirable place to live and work, as well as pave the way for economic development.

Contact:
Keener A. Tippin II
(573) 751-9065