HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Commerce announced that 23 nonprofit organizations will share $4.13 million in tax credits under the Kansas Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). Since 1994, CSP has helped nonprofit organizations undertake major capital fundraising drives for various projects.
“The organizations receiving Community Service Tax Credits make important contributions to the quality of life in their communities,” Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George said. “This year’s recipients once again offer a wide array of services and programs supporting many key aspects of economic and community development in Kansas.”
Projects eligible for tax credit awards include community service, crime prevention and health care. Tax credit awards are distributed through a competitive application process. Based on the scope and cost of the proposed project, applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit.
The following organizations will receive tax credits in 2015:
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre Inc., Hutchinson, $200,000
The Theatre and Technology Improvement Project at Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre will repair the 84-year-old venue’s damaged and deteriorating stage floor structure, while also updating electronic and technical equipment and systems associated with presenting live performing arts events. These building repairs and technology upgrades are crucial to the Fox’s continued operation as a multi-function regional center for the arts.
Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, Hutchinson, $200,000
The Cosmosphere will use the tax credits to revitalize and renovate the organization that has served millions of visitors for decades. While recognized for being a leader in the museum industry since first expanding in 1980, existing exhibits and programs need updated. Through the revitalization campaign, the Cosmosphere intends to enhance the ability to bring new space and science initiatives to life for future generations.
Kansas Christian Home, Newton, $200,000
Kansas Christian Home is preparing for the coming decades by adding an assisted living wing, converting an existing wing into memory care, and making other improvements to its facility. This plan will allow KCH to continue providing quality care to the coming generations of senior citizens.
McPherson Healthcare Foundation Inc., McPherson, $200,000
The McPherson Healthcare Foundation will use the tax credits to support its $5 million “Caring for the Future” fundraising campaign to create new clinic space for providers and realign some ancillary services at McPherson Hospital. These initiatives will improve convenience for patients, workflow for staff and assist in the recruitment and retention of physicians.
Anthony Community Care Center, Anthony, $105,000
Anthony Community Care Center will use the tax credit funds to replace original windows in the building, along with replacing doors and hardware. The Center will also purchase new beds for residents and upgrade some appliances.
Ashland Community Foundation, Ashland, $125,000
Ashland has limited housing available for families relocating to the community. The Ashland Community Foundation will use the tax credits to build a duplex to improve workforce housing options in Ashland.
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Lawrence, $220,000
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence will construct a new teen center to provide critical education and after-school services to youth. The center will be built directly adjacent to the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center to allow for unique educational opportunities and collaboration between the school and teens.
Coronado Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, Salina, $175,000
The Coronado Area Council will construct a technology center at Brown Memorial Camp in Abilene to embrace the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scout program emphasis. The technology center will provide a state-of-the-art classroom for youth to explore and learn more about STEM.
Coutts Memorial Museum of Art, El Dorado, $190,000
The new Coutts museum will include much needed larger exhibit areas, public space, meeting rooms, an auditorium for speakers, lectures, music and cultural events, a catering kitchen and accessible restrooms. Coutts will also add a Children’s Discovery Area providing new programs to combine arts and educational resources for young people.
Growing the Vision: A Foundation for the Future of Greeley County, Tribune, $115,000
Get Fit Greeley County will provide easily-accessible, increased opportunities for health, fitness and overall wellness to residents of Unified Greeley County. By installing two walking trails and greatly enhancing and expanding the community wellness center, this dual-pronged project seeks to ensure that that residents have safe, affordable access to physical activity year-round.
InterUrban ArtHouse, Overland Park, $220,000
InterUrban ArtHouse is buying and renovating the underutilized Post Office at 8010 Conser Street in Historic Downtown Overland Park. These tax credits will leverage the Capital Campaign to re-purpose this dilapidated, one-story building, which sits within a 1-acre parking lot. The 10,000-square-foot space with 17-foot-high ceilings will house a dozen art studios.
Kismet Public Library Foundation, Kismet, $175,000
The Kismet Public Library will use funds generated by the tax credits to build a new library building in the Kismet community. Plans for the new building include separate areas for children, adults and youth; space for the collection to expand and improve; and additional computers for public access. The meeting room will double as a community safe room and storm shelter for public use during severe weather events.
Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, $150,000
Lincoln County Hospital will use the funds generated from the tax credits to upgrade its radiology department. This will include purchasing and installing a fully digital X-ray machine. The hospital will also remodel the radiology suite to better serve its patients and staff.
New Horizon Ranch, Rantoul, $240,000
New Horizon Ranch currently provides therapeutic riding services using an outdoor arena, which limits its availability and capacity. The award will allow the ranch to offer services year-round in an indoor arena.
Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, $200,000
In response to the growing need for cancer care services in the communities it serves, Olathe Medical Center (OMC) will construct a 25,000-square-foot cancer center. Opening in 2017, The Cancer Center will consolidate in one location all of OMC’s outpatient cancer services, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy infusion. The cancer program at OMC is focused on improving early detection screenings, clinical trials and advanced treatments. The new Cancer Center is one of four projects under way or in planning stages now at OMC. In total, these additions will result in more than 200 new jobs.
Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Osborne, $220,000
Osborne County Memorial Hospital will restructure its 1958 rural critical access hospital to a more modern cost-effective care environment. The tax credits will help raise part of the funds needed to start the construction project.
Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, Plainville, $150,000
The tax credits will support the construction of a Rehabilitation Center and Therapy Services addition to the existing hospital. This facility will provide curbside accessibility to patients in need of outpatient therapy services, including cardiac rehabilitation, aquatic therapy and physical, occupational, speech and respiratory treatments. The facility will include a zero entry hydrotherapy pool, which will be the first of its kind between Manhattan and Denver.
Russell Child Development Center, Garden City, $160,000
Russell Child Development Center’s “Building a Brighter Future” construction project will provide a functional facility with the capacity to meet the current and future needs of the agency’s staff and the children and families it serves. The building will house a family-friendly lobby and resource library, space for outreach health provider clinics, up-to-date technology, a large conference/professional development space and functional work spaces.
Russell Development Inc., Russell, $125,000
Russell County Economic Development and the City of Russell have partnered to implement a three-pronged approach to developing quality managed rentals in Russell. The tax credits will support the first step in developing this process to create an environment for moderate income rental housing.
Salina Family YMCA Inc., Salina, $190,000
As part of its Next Pillar campaign, the Salina Family YMCA will renovate and expand existing youth program areas. This will allow for more effective and efficient delivery of educational and health programming for children and families.
Seward County Community College/Area Technical School Foundation, Liberal, $200,000
Funds raised will be used to update health simulation equipment in the Allied Health programs at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School. Students will gain important clinical experience with the funding of this project.
Trego County Public Library Foundation, WaKeeney, $150,000
The Trego County Public Library will use the tax credits to enhance and renovate facilities at the Trego County Fairgrounds. The additions will support the efforts of the library and the fair to promote educational programs, particularly those related to agriculture.
Wilson Czech Opera House Corporation, Wilson, $220,000
The Wilson Czech Opera House was damaged by a fire in 2009. The tax credits will help restore the opera house into an open air theater that will host events ranging from concerts to weddings.