State tax credits help fund Boys & Girls Club expansion

The Missouri Department of Economic Development approved $250,000 in Youth Opportunity Program state credits for the Springfield nonprofit, according to an April 26 DED news release. The tax credits, designed to prompt local contributions for at–risk youth programs, will leverage at least $500,000 in contributions.

“The money is for the construction of new facilities, and we will bring all the new programs that the new facilities will allow us to,” Pat Gartland, Boys & Girls Club executive director said. “This serves as an incentive for donors to make contributions to the Boys & Girls Club and get tax credits for their contribution.”

Private-sector donors will receive a tax credit for as much as 50 percent of their donation for contributions to an approved project.

The credits can then be applied directly to the donor’s Missouri tax bill.

The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield is raising funds for new facilities, renovations and program development.

Through a capital campaign launched in 2001, it has received $2.7 million, $774,000 short of its goal, Gartland said.

The club plans to offer programs that address youth issues in education, health, the arts, career exploration, leadership, development and athletics, as well as the prevention of alcohol and drug use, pregnancy and gang membership.

The Youth Opportunities Program, administered by DED’s Community Development Division, is designed to broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development in community life for youth and to discourage such persons from engaging in criminal and violent behavior. Approval of these tax credits is contingent upon completion of contracts set fourth by the program.