Governor Laura Kelly Awards Over $4 Million in Tax Credits to 29 Kansas Nonprofits

Governor Laura Kelly has awarded $4.1 million in Community Service Tax Credits (CSP) to bolster the fundraising efforts of 29 nonprofit organizations across Kansas that improve local access to quality child care, healthcare, education, arts and housing.

The administration continued its ongoing commitment to addressing the child care shortage by including almost $1 million specifically for nonprofits that boost the supply of child care options.

"It's no surprise that the best solutions to the issues facing Kansas communities often come from local nonprofits rooted in those very communities," said Governor Kelly. "That's why we're doing everything possible to lift up the work of our nonprofits through programs like the Community Service Tax Credits."

CSP tax credits have been issued in the Sunflower State since 1994. The program provides a 70 percent tax credit to qualified donors in rural communities (populations less than 15,000) and a 50 percent tax credit in larger communities. The credits are a direct deduction from the donor's state tax obligation. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift in a rural community receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.

This year, CSP will assist five different counties with building new or upgrading existing child care facilities. Communities statewide will be assisted in their efforts to improve healthcare facilities or purchase new diagnostic equipment, create housing options for low-income or homeless Kansans, update libraries, expand access to the arts and cultural attractions, provide new shelters for foster children and victims of domestic and sexual violence, and design innovative public gathering spaces.

"The ingenuity displayed by this year's awardees working to improve the quality of life in their communities is impressive," said Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. "Supporting these local initiatives allows the state to continue attracting new businesses to invest in Kansas. Strong communities provide a stable workforce, which benefits the entire economy."

Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a highly competitive, score-based selection process. This year, 29 of the 55 requested projects received CSP funding.

CSP funding is being awarded to the following local organizations:

• Ellis County: Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. for revitalization of outdated buildings to improve energy efficiency, access and connectivity.
• Russell County: Russell PRIDE, Inc. for the creation of the Russell Community Maker Space for people to get exposure to and training on highly technical equipment such as a CNC router, CNC plasma cutter and laser engravers.
• Saline County: Greater Salina Community Foundation, working with the Central Plains Childcare Network for the renovation of a classroom in Wilson and new building in Claflin to address the shortage of child care options.

(Information courtesy Office of the Governor.)