7 area nonprofits chosen for state tax credits

Seven area nonprofits are set to receive a combined $1.8 million in state tax credits, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced late last week.

The local organizations are part of 46 statewide picked for around $9 million in tax credits through the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program, according to a news release. Through the program, donors may give to the selected nonprofits in exchange for tax credits.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Program is supporting organizations that provide essential services for Missourians,” Gov. Mike Parson said in the release. “We’re pleased to strengthen communities through this program and look forward to seeing these awards improve lives across our state.”

The recipients and their planned use of the tax credit proceeds are below:
• Horses of Hope-Missouri Inc. in Rogersville, $350,000 for equine-assisted mental health therapy.
• Lake Regional Health System in Lebanon, $350,000 to build a 21,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center.
• Cox Medical Center Branson, $249,995 to build a 30,000-square-foot building that supports increased access to primary and specialty care.
• Springfield Dream Center, a North Point Church initiative, $249,672 to renovate the 6,300-square-foot building for its Dream Academy and RISE programs.
• Discovery Center of Springfield Inc., $250,000 to support STEM education.
• Dogwood Ranch Corp. in Rogersville, $191,842 to support its equine-assisted youth therapy initiatives.
• Least of These Inc. in Ozark, $125,000 to support its food assistance programs.