Missouri is looking to support local efforts involving opioid addiction, job training and veteran services.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development is opening applications for the second round of its Neighborhood Assistance Program on Sept. 1.
Through NAP, nonprofits can solicit donations for projects from businesses and offer a state tax credit worth 50 or 70 percent of the donation. The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City and Special Learning Center used the program earlier this year.
According to program details from the department, tax credits can help increase donations, expand the organization's donor base and keep tax dollars within the community.
For the latest round of applicants, DED is prioritizing projects that help fight the opioid epidemic. Efforts focused on awareness, education, treatment and reduction of opioid use are prime applicants.
Additional priority areas include job training programs and projects that facilitate military service members transitioning back into the civilian workforce and their communities.
Job training programs could work to address the gap between available jobs and qualified workers, align training programs to community or business needs or focus on postsecondary job training.
Veteran services programs could focus on finding employment, post-traumatic stress disorder, reintegrating to family and work life, depression or substance abuse.
Applications to enroll in the tax-credit based program are due to DED by Oct. 7. To make applicants more familiar with NAP, the department is hosting a virtual workshop Sept. 8.