By the Salina Journal

Five nonprofit organizations in northwest Kansas are among the recipients of Community Service Tax Credits awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The future Kansas income tax credits are used as a fundraising tool for organizations engaged in services for children and families, health care or crime prevention. Businesses and individuals that contribute to the organizations are eligible for a 70 percent tax credit in rural areas or a 50 percent tax credit in urban areas. Qualified donors who give $1,000 to an approved project in a non-rural area would receive a 50 percent, or $500, tax credit against their Kansas income tax liability. Donors of $1,000 to an approved project in a rural area would receive a 70 percent, or $700, tax credit against their state income tax liability. In addition, donors would receive federal tax benefits.

Tax credits were awarded to:

n Frontier Alliance in Hill City, $78,500 to acquire necessary equipment for a community theater, including a new stage curtain, lighting and sound system.

n Oberlin-Decatur Area Economic Development Corporation, $125,000 to remodel and expand the Golden Age community and recreation center, including an upgraded community kitchen, community theater, and day-care and recreation facility.

n Phillips County Hospital, $185,500 to renovate and improve access to the hospital facility to provide more effective rehabilitation.

n Rawlins County Health Center, $250,000 to renovate the health center to expand the physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation services offered.

n Trego-WaKeeney Community Foundation, $162,500 to build a low-cost, permanent community wellness center in Trego County.