Thanks to the support of local Milford community members through the Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit, as of Nov. 18, the Milford Childhood Learning Center has reached and exceeded its debt free goal of $130,000, making it a completely debt free nonprofit childcare center.
Looking ahead, MCLC is raising funds to ensure long-term sustainability, supporting above-average staff wages, affordable tuition, and high-quality care and environment. A new Sustainability Fund has been established, with $10,000 already donated to this important initiative.
Childcare centers rarely turn a profit and by prioritizing a sustainability fund, the MCLC hopes to ensure affordable care for parents without compromising continued investment in their staff and facility.
Additionally, the MCLC Scholarship Fund, chaired by Tim Springer, provides financial assistance to families in need, furthering our mission of accessibility for all.
As of Nov. 15, $650,000 in Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit funds are still available. Donations to the MCLC qualify for a 100% state income tax credit.
The total project cost of $1.2 million has been largely funded through $742,000 in grants and $333,000 in community donations. The remaining balance of $130,000 was the final hurdle to achieving debt-free status.
The center, which operates as a nonprofit organization overseen by seven local community board members and staffed by 11 professionals, was established with three primary objectives:
• rovide quality childcare in a safe, nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten
• ffer previously unavailable infant care services (ages 6 weeks to 18 months)
• nsure accessibility for all families regardless of financial resources
Unique Tax Credit
Opportunity
The Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit (LB754), which became effective Jan. 1, 2024, offers Nebraskans a remarkable opportunity to support local childcare while receiving a 75-100% state income tax credit. Of the program’s $2.5 million allocation, approximately $800,000 remains (as of early November 2024) available for qualified donations.
“This is a zero-cost way to keep your tax dollars working in your local community,” Dave Welsch, MCLC Financial Sustainability Chairman, said. “MCLC donors receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their state income taxes, making this an exceptional opportunity to support local families and strengthen our community infrastructure.”
The MCLC is one of few providers in the county that accepts Nebraska’s state childcare subsidy via the AccessNebraska payment assistance program. Their participation in this program qualifies the MCLC for a 100% tax credit. This allows the MCLC to offer quality childcare access to all families, regardless of financial status.
Interested donors can contact Welsch for pre-filled tax forms and assistance with the simple application process. The tax credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and donors are encouraged to act quickly as year-end applications are increasing.
About MCLC
The Milford Childhood Learning Center operates under the guidance of its Board of Directors: Katie Spohn, Bruning Law Group; Tim Springer, Milford Mennonite Church; Dr. Brandon Henley, Memorial Health Care Systems; Mitch Kubicek, Milford Public Schools; Sid Burkey, Burkey Farms, Inc.; Dave Welsch; Susan Nitzsche; and Ex-Officio Members Kathi Schildt, Ex-Officio Executive Director, and Sami Ahlers, MCLC Center Director.
For more information about donation opportunities or the tax credit program, contact Dave Welsch at (402) 826-9691, dwelsch@westbluefarm.com or info@milfordchildhood.com.
