Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded 12.6 million dollars to 66 organizations, including a handful in Southwest Missouri. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The awards from the Missouri Department of Economic Development will come by way of their Neighborhood Assistance Program and tax credits. Four non-profits in South Central and Southwest Missouri earned a 70% tax credit, including the Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri who receive nearly $350,000.

The organization, based in Joplin, provides a safe and child-friendly setting for the investigation and treatment of child abuse. Officials say they are going to renovate their Monnett facility with the award. In addition, five non-profits in the area received a 50% tax credit, including the Discovery Center in downtown Springfield, which received $250,000. Leaders say they are going to use the funds to pay for a new roof, construct a new larger entrance and update 20,000 square feet of educational space. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro