By Ryan Duey

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $166,600 in Kansas Community Service Tax Credits to the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation for the Outdoor Classroom Renovation Project. Through the use of these Kansas Community Service Tax Credits, the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation will be able to fund a series of enhancements for the Outdoor Classroom at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This dynamic learning space has engaged hundreds of preschool and school-age youth in environmental education programming over the past four years. Planned renovations include a permanent shade structure, additional privacy screening, and a boardwalk to make it an all-weather, all-season learning location. With these enhancements, the Discovery Center will continue to grow its suite of education programs that will inspire the next generation of prairie stewards. The FHDC Foundation was previously awarded $192,500 in tax credits in July 2020 to help fund the Prairie Playscape children’s exhibit on the second floor of the Discovery Center. With an additional $57,500 awarded in March of 2022, the Foundation received the largest total amount of tax credits ($250,000) in that application cycle. The Prairie Playscape exhibit opened in May 2022 and helped propel the Discovery Center to record attendance in 2023. These tax credits are available at a 50/50 match. For example: a person donating $10,000 would receive a check for $5,000 from the State of Kansas and could also claim a $5,000 charitable donation on their taxes. A minimum contribution of $250 is needed to secure these funds. Credits will be available from July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.

To learn more about these Kansas Community Service Tax Credits, or to receive the necessary forms to make your donation, please contact Foundation Director, Lesley White at fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com or 785-748-1275.