Applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Program, a state tax credit program, are available to businesses and nonprofits in Missouri to join the fight against the opioid crisis.
The deadline for the second round of applications is Sept. 27, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
DED is calling on nonprofits specifically focusing their efforts on awareness, education, treatment and reduction of opioid misuse across the state to apply for NAP. All nonprofits and businesses can apply, but those whose work target the key areas will be given priority consideration.
"All state agencies have a responsibility to address this epidemic," DED Acting Director Rob Dixon said. "It hinders our state from growth as it damages families, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. We are taking a stand to fight this. As a state, we are joining forces to help those fighting addiction, as well as preventing others from taking this harmful path."
Joy Sweeney, executive director at Council for Drug Free Youth in Jefferson City, said this program seems like a great resource that supports the organization's mission.
"We will definitely look into this program if it helps us to combat this issue in our community," she said.
A nonprofit or business selected for the program must complete a project that combats opioid abuse through community services, crime prevention, education, job training and/or physical revitalization in order to qualify for a 50 percent or 70 percent tax credit.
Proposals cannot include programs/projects that require attendance at religious services or use any portion of the NAP funds to promote, encourage, advocate, or enlist any individual in any religion or faith or for any partisan purpose, according to the 2018 NAP guidelines.
Businesses that want to donate to NAP-approved organizations also can qualify for tax credits. Projects approved for this round of applications can expect to start Jan. 1.
An application training seminar will be Aug. 31.
For more information, contact Kim Baughman or Zatuilla Nara at 573-751-4539.