Missouri not-for-profits receive state assistance

The Discovery Center of Springfield Inc. received $190,945 for its Science Work on the Road Program. The credits will be used to send instructors from the center to local schools to teach science-related classes.

The Marshfield Child Development Center received $13,191 to be used for exercise and nutrition activities for children, said Debra Underwood, director of the center.

“Obesity in children is a big problem right now, so this will help us buy exercise equipment and dance CDs,” she said.

Underwood said the credits also will be used to purchase arts and craft supplies and to pay utilities and insurance costs.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program allows local businesspeople to make a contribution to an organization and receive a 70 percent tax credit. Other state organizations receiving financial assistance include Missouri Baptist Children's Home, Lutheran Ministries Association Mathews Dickey Boys & Girls Club, Glasgow Senior Center and the Unicorn Theater.

“There’s so many good causes out there, and people are pretty stretched to the max,” Underwood said. “I think it’s a win-win program.”

The center serves 120 children and their families.