West Virginia Department of Commerce Neighborhood Investment Program

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Neighborhood Investment Program



Description: Tax credits

Purpose: The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) increases charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations. The program allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers. These organizations distribute the vouchers to contributing businesses and individuals. By donating to approved NIP organizations, contributors can support their communities and earn credits to reduce certain West Virginia taxes. 2010 Participant List.

Description: The West Virginia Legislature sets aside $2.5 million annually in state tax credits for the NIP. To participate, a 501(c)3 charitable organization must apply to the West Virginia Development Office. Upon meeting program requirements and obtaining approval from the NIP Advisory Board, organizations are awarded tax credit vouchers. Businesses and individuals that contribute to NIP-approved organizations are eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the contributed amount in the form of state tax credits. Donors may use the credits to reduce liability for the Corporate Net Income Tax, the Business Franchise tax or the Personal Income Tax.

Eligible activities: Projects generally eligible for program participation include but are not limited to the following:
  • Health clinics
  • Homeless shelters
  • Educational programs
  • Housing programs
  • Preservation/revitalization activities
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Children's shelters
  • Meal delivery programs
  • Senior citizens' centers
  • Community foundations
  • Scholarship programs
  • Hospice care
  • Transportation programs
  • Day care centers
  • Counseling services
  • Services for the disabled
Eligible applicants: Tax credit vouchers are awarded to organizations that are designated as 501(c)3 by the IRS and registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State's office as charitable organizations. Eligible applicants also must:
  • Be community based
  • Serve highly distressed neighborhoods or communities
  • Serve primarily low-income individuals
  • Collaborate with other organizations
  • Be novel, creative or unique in approach
  • Have a history of maintaining low administrative costs
  • Demonstrate the ability to deliver the proposed services
  • Demonstrate a strong need for the proposed services
Contact: For additional information about the Neighborhood Investment Program, please call the West Virginia Development Office at (800) 982-3386 or (304) 558-2234.