Rankin County Tax Credit

IMPORTANCE

Pre-K is not mandatory in the state of MS, districts are allowed to apply for the Early Learning Collaborative grant money to provide Pre-K for their communities.  Rankin County School District applied for and was approved for this grant in 2021. Because the program is not fully funded, the district is allowed to accept donations to the program, and provide a 1:1 tax credit to the donors. Any donations to the program would be greatly appreciated.

High-Quality Pre-K is Critical 

When children start school without important skills, it becomes harder and harder for them to achieve their potential without considerable intervention. Supporting the Rankin County Early Learning Collaborative is a direct investment in preparing Rankin County’s youngest students! Your donation will fund resources that will significantly impact students' positive attitude toward school and love for learning. 

How can individuals and corporations help?

The Pre-K Tax Credit is unique because any individual or business paying state taxes can qualify if they make a proper donation to an approved collaborative.

Under the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013, the costs for providing Pre-Kindergarten services to four-year-old children amount to $5,000 per child enrolled in full-day programs and $2,500 per child enrolled in half-day programs. The State of Mississippi provides half of these costs ($2,500 per child enrolled in full-day Pre-K and $1,250 per child enrolled in half-day Pre-K). However, the State requires that the other half be provided by local matching funds, which may include local tax dollars, federal dollars (as allowed), parent tuition, philanthropic contributions, or in-kind donations of facilities, equipment, and services required as part of the program, such as food service or health screenings. Individuals or businesses who are interested in donating can help ensure early learning collaboratives can provide high-quality care by donating to their local matching funds.

Donating is Easy! 

• Submit check payable to: 

Rankin County - Early Learning Collaborative 
ATTN: Wendi Murray 
1220 Apple Park Place
Brandon, MS 39042

Upon receipt of the check, we will respond immediately with an acknowledgment letter. A donation certificate will follow from the Mississippi Department of Education. 

• When filing taxes, simply submit a copy of the donation certificate with form 80-401.

For more information, email Wendi Murray at wendi.murray@rcsd.ms or call 601-825-5590.