Last month, the Upshur Parish House received notification that $9,250 in tax credits has been awarded for 2019-2020. These tax credits are part of West Virginia’s Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP).

Any donor wishing to participate in NIP must make a minimum contribution of $500 or more at one time after Aug. 27, 2019. Half of the amount donated qualifies for tax credits. Upon receiving the donation, the Upshur Parish House will process the donation and send a voucher for tax credits to the donor with instructions on how to submit the voucher when filing next personal or corporate income taxes, thus reducing the donor’s tax liability.

Donations utilizing this tax credit program support the Parish House’s mission to help Upshur County residents meet basic needs, especially food insecurity. Currently, the Parish House assists approximately 100 households per week through Crosslines, which includes a food pantry, special holiday meal baskets, Christmas Day Dinner, and lunches every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, among other services.

NIP was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1996 to increase charitable giving to local community-based nonprofit organizations, thereby increasing the capacity of those organizations to offer programs that serve those in need in their neighborhoods. These programs can provide services including, but not limited to, health care, counseling, emergency assistance, crime prevention, education, housing or job training. NIP requires nonprofit organizations to submit an application to the West Virginia Development Office, then be evaluated on a number of criteria, and ultimately be approved by an advisory board.

This is the second year the Upshur Parish House has applied for and been awarded credits for donors. Tax credits are generally more beneficial to donors than tax deductions. NIP currently approves $3 million annually for its tax credit program as allowed in state tax code.

To participate in NIP, contact Parish House Director Kristi Wilkerson at 304-472-0743 or stop by 68 College Avenue, Buckhannon, during business hours of 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday