Agape Ministry of Warren County is one of 39 nonprofit organizations in the state selected to receive award money from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.The Department of Economic Development is awarding $7.3 million to those Missouri nonprofits through its Neighborhood Assistance Program to nonprofits for community development projects.Agape is pleased to receive the award again.“This is important funding that will help us continue to make a tangible impact of the lives of people in Warren County,” said Michelle R. Bernth, AGAPE executive director.“This funding will help bolster AGAPE’s cornerstone program of our client choice food pantry. Additionally, this funding will help us launch our emerging program, Job STAR, focused on job readiness,” Bernth said.Neighborhood Assistance Program helps not-for-profit organizations raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.Businesses can donate cash, materials, supplies or equipment; technical assistance and professional services; labor; real estate; or stocks and bonds. Credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total amount contributed or up to 70 percent for projects located in the most rural areas.“(The Neighborhood Assistance Program) will help improve the communities and lives of thousands of Missourians,” Rob Dixon, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development said. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program has a long, successful history helping to build stronger communities for Missouri.”Agape