ELLINWOOD – The St. John’s Child Development Center in Ellinwood was one of the big winners when Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly Thursday announced that $4.1 million in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits. The center, which will receive $160,300 in credits, was one of 36 nonprofit organizations across the state that shared in the program to boost fundraising efforts focused on improving local access to quality child care, health care, education, arts, and housing.
“The St. John’s Child Development Center Board and directors are excited to be a recipient of the CSP tax credits program,” said Tricia Schlessiger, Board member and community liaison. “We are looking forward to continuing our community partnership with USD 355 and the Ellinwood Hospital District to offer high quality child care in Ellinwood.”
The project includes the remodel and conversion of new classroom spaces to create operational efficiencies and add new childcare slots for toddlers and children ages 3-4. A full kitchen and playground will be co-located in the
building designed and customized for a safe learning environment.
“This award will allow us to make some exciting changes to our learning spaces for our daycare and preschool children,” she said. “It was the answer to many prayers and hard work from quite a few individuals. We look forward to providing more information to the community as the project moves forward. St John’s CDC is looking forward to a bright future in Ellinwood.”
St John’s Child Development Center, a mission project for St. John Lutheran Church, currently offers preschool and childcare services at two locations in Ellinwood. The Main Street Campus is located at 615 N. Main and accepts children ages 2 weeks - 4 years old, and the Wilhelm Campus is located at 512 N. Wilhelm and accepts children ages 4 - 12.
Call 620-564-2885 for more information.
The statewide picture
The administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of community assets once again includes almost $1 million specifically to address the shortage of child care options.
“Local nonprofit organizations across the state are working diligently to address issues that have a tremendous impact on communities, the Kansans who live there, and their quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Community Service Tax Credit Program is a valuable tool that allows the state to support their efforts.”
CSP tax credits have been issued in the Sunflower State since 1994. The program provides a 70% tax credit to qualified donors in rural communities (populations less than 15,000) and a 50% tax credit in larger communities. The credits are a direct deduction from the donor’s state tax obligation.
The CSP program amplifies fundraising activities for non-profits and boosts large capital campaigns. Any individual or business subject to Kansas income tax is eligible to receive a tax credit through this program.
This year, CSP will assist six counties with building new or upgrading existing child care facilities. Other community projects across the state include housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a center for youth who have aged out of the foster system, a dormitory for children in acute psychiatric crises, a community wellness facility, historic renovations, health care equipment, and more.
“The ingenuity these organizations display as they improve their communities is inspiring and deserves support,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Creating healthy, vibrant communities where people want to live allows local and state economies to grow.”
Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a highly competitive, score-based selection process.
