Blunt Announces $557,774 in Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits for Six Missouri Not-For-Profit Organizations

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has approved Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits for six Missouri not-for-profit organizations totaling $557,774.

Ozark Valleys Community Services (OVCS), Campbell, has been approved for $37,500 in NAP tax credits. OVCS will utilize the tax credits to acquire the old Arcadia Valley Physical therapy building. This acquisition will enable OVCS to retain and expand their community-based programming, which includes a GED program, vocational training, advocacy and resource referral for persons with disabilities throughout Iron County.

Christmas in October, Kansas City, has been approved for $70,400 in NAP tax credits. Christmas in October will utilize the tax credits to provide home repair assistance to disabled persons, the elderly and low-income families with children, who lack the skills and/or resources to make much needed repairs. With this project, Christmas in October expects to provide services such as furnace replacement; plumbing and electrical correction; and roof repair to over 400 homeowners in pre-selected, distressed areas of Kansas City.

Ozark Main Street, Ozark, has been approved for $17,519 in NAP tax credits. Ozark Main Street will utilize the tax credits to raise funds that will continue the economic and social revitalization of Downtown Ozark and an extended area to the west of downtown. Ozark Main Street will plan and market downtown events; coordinate the renovation and restoration of distressed buildings for commercial and residential use; and act as a resource referral agency.

Family Support Network, St. Louis, has been approved for $228,405 in NAP tax credits. Family Support Network will utilize the tax credits to increase the services provided through Project First Step. Offered to at-risk families, Project First Step is a preventative, no-cost service working to avert child maltreatment before it occurs. Family Support Network plans to serve 640 St. Louis city and county families over the next two years, offering individual and family counseling, parenting education and resource referral.

Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club (HHBGC), St. Louis, has been approved for $150,000 in NAP tax credits. HHBGC will utilize the tax credits to make needed repairs and renovations to its indoor swimming facility, which also houses the club’s learning center and computer lab. HHBGC serves at-risk youth, ages 6 to 18, from neighborhoods in very high need. Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club offers over 50 programs in the areas of character and leadership; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports and fitness.

South Grand Ministry, St. Louis, has been approved for $53,950 in NAP tax credits. South Grand Ministry will utilize the tax credits to enhance the quality of life of its clients by providing programs allowing them to live safely in their homes, lead physically active lives and remain socially engaged in their communities. This program will reduce workplace absenteeism for caregivers, preventing an estimated $234,000 in lost wages.

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.