The Department of Economic Development announced Wednesday that it would award $7.3 million through its Neighborhood Assistance Program to nonprofits across Missouri for community development projects.
The Neighborhood Assistance Program helps not-for-profit organizations leverage private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.
The program can help fund job training initiatives, crime prevention, community service projects, and revitalization of community-based buildings and areas.
“This program is helping to build stronger communities and bettering the lives of thousands of people,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “As a department, we help bring more opportunities to more Missourians, and the Neighborhood Assistance Program is one way that we are delivering on that promise.”
Those organizations from the area approved for the program include:
- Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Mo – Sedalia
Donations received as part of this NAP project will be directed to the Boys and Girls Clubs’ rural Great Futures project. The project will provide after school youth enrichment programming for youth ages 6 to 18 years living in Cole Camp, Green Ridge, La Monte, Leeton, Dresden, and Smithton. Programs are designed to help at-risk youth become responsible, caring, and productive citizens, with a focus on Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, the Arts and Music, and Fitness and Recreation.
- Hillcrest Transitional Housing – Cameron
Hillcrest Ministries of MidAmerica will use donations received as part of this NAP project to provide transitional and rapid re-housing services to the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. Hillcrest’s services will include case management, financial and employment counseling, housing location services, life skills assessments, and financial supports.
- Literacy Council of Macon County – Macon
Literacy Council of Macon County will utilize NAP credits to expand operations of their adult education, career, and college prep programming. Ultimately, increasing the number of Missourians who have obtained their high school equivalency, enrolled in post-secondary education and increased their job skills and marketability.
- Second Harvest Community Food Bank – St. Joseph
Second Harvest Community Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to 15 Northwest Missouri counties, distributing more than 6.5 million pounds of food to hungry Missourians annually. Donations received as part of this NAP project will be utilized to assist Second Harvest in serving at-risk Missourians through its Backpack Buddies, Feeding Seniors, pantry programs, and SNAP enrollment.
- The Farmer’s House, Inc. – Weston
The Farmer’s House, Inc. will utilize NAP donations to provide vocational, transitional and recreational skill development programs for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This community integrated model will prepare individuals to become members of the regular workforce allowing them to maximize their independence and income earning potential.
