PENNSYLVANIA — Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration continue their work to improve distressed communities in Pennsylvania through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). On Monday, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of $36 million to assist low-income individuals and revitalize areas across the state.
The NAP provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to improve communities. This funding will support 261 projects throughout Pennsylvania, allowing businesses to receive tax credits of up to 80% on the contributions they make to a qualifying community project.
Secretary Siger made the announcement at the Philabundance food bank in Philadelphia, one of the beneficiaries of the program, which is set to receive nearly $3 million in food contributions from 12 regional businesses participating in the NAP.
“By encouraging businesses to make impactful investments in their local communities, the Neighborhood Assistance Program is driving investment to worthy causes and helping improve the lives of our fellow Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro.
The approved funding will support a variety of important community projects, including:
- Renovation of two electrical labs at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Lycoming County, increasing enrollment and graduation of low-income students.
- Revitalization of a long-vacant, four-floor, 51,000-square-foot building in Reading, Berks County, which will be occupied by three high-impact non-profit organizations post-renovation.
- Construction of a new Convenient Care Plus clinic at a Geisinger facility in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, improving access to healthcare services.
- Conversion of three vacant former student houses at Allegheny College, Crawford County, into housing for qualified low-income buyers.
- Support for Philabundance in Philadelphia County to leverage monetary and in-kind food donations for food-insecure households across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
- Provision of healthcare worker uniforms to 500 women in employment or training programs in rural communities and vulnerable neighborhoods in Allegheny County.
The NAP comprises five main components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), Charitable Food Program (CFP), and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP).
For more information about the Neighborhood Assistance Program or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website.
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