LANCASTER, Mo.- The Schuyler County Council on Aging received project approval for the Neighborhood Assistance Program through the Department of Economic Development to incentivize fundraising for the Schuyler County Nutrition Site. This means if you have a Missouri tax liability from a business or farm, you can direct these dollars towards this project and receive 70% tax credits. The tax credits are applicable in the current year or can be carried forward for up to five years. The project runs from January 2025 to December 31, 2027. The intent is to raise the funds in 2025 and 2026 and build the facility in 2027. Tax credits available for this project amount to $245,000 which is 70% of the $350,000 goal for the project from the DED Neighborhood Assistance Program. This is not a grant, but rather a way for businesses to reinvest their Missouri tax dollars to improve food security and quality of life for rural residents through continuation and growth of critical services.
This 501(c)(3) has been feeding the community for 43 years, serving over 20,000 meals in fiscal year 2024. The organization primarily serves individuals 60 and older, disabled, and low income. Services are offered in a congregate setting and in-home delivery, regardless of their ability to pay. In order to continue these services, a new facility is needed. The current 1905 building has structural issues, a leaking roof, outdated appliances which make them difficult to repair, is energy inefficient, and is not ADA compliant.
Your tax preparer should be able to assist you with the process which involves filling out the application form (Missouri CDTC-770) and getting your signature notarized. Then send the application form, donation, and documentation to the Schuyler County Council on Aging for review. They will then submit it to the Department of Economic Development. For exact guidance on the documentation, see Community Finance Tax Credit Application Companion Guide at https://ded.mo.gov/sites/ded/files/media/pdf/2024/09/Community-Finance-Companion-Guide.pdf .
Donations should be made to the Schuyler County Council on Aging. The form, donation, documentation, and your tax preparer’s contact information should be sent to Schuyler County University of Missouri Extension, P.O. Box 310, Lancaster, MO. 63548. The phone number is 660.457.3469 (after 5 or weekends, call 660.216.2972) or e-mail thompsonsar@missouri.edu. Sara Thompson or Darla Campbell are the contacts.
“The county has a successful history with the Neighborhood Assistance Program as it was utilized to build the ball fields at Spencer Lake, the Schuyler County Ministerial Alliance Food Room & Blessings Thrift Shop, and the Schuyler County Community Center in Glenwood” says Darla Campbell, MU Extension Community Development Specialist.
With your support, the community can build a stronger rural infrastructure that keeps older residents in their homes longer with better health, nutrition, and social connectivity.
