Rural Development Partners (RDP) provided $8 million in New Markets Tax Credits in 2018 for the historic renovation of Sherwood Forest Camp’s outdated facilities built in the 1960s. Renovations enabled the camp to create greater opportunities for low-income children in St. Louis City/County by enhancing their amenities and capacity through the construction of a 9,000 square-foot dining hall, 4,200 square-foot outdoor learning center with library and STEM labs, 4,600 square-feet of additional living space for campers and staff, and a 2,800 square-foot health lodge.
As the camp strives to build excitement and hope as they cultivate community engagement, encourage children, and provide social and educational opportunities for underprivileged children 6-18 years old; opportunities that set the stage for children to attain a bright future. 100% of campers graduate from high school, and nine out of ten campers escape poverty to become financially independent adults. Sherwood Forest Camp (MO) has the capacity to house over 400 children during the summer, and an additional 1,100 students for school programs in the spring and fall. 80% of children served are from low-income families, 20% are just above the federal poverty threshold, and 75% return to camp.
Sherwood Forest Camp
Sherwood Forest Camp is a non-profit organization that was established in 1937, located on 478 acres of land in rural Missouri. The camp was one of only three organizations across the nation that offered month-long residential summer camp experiences and year-round programming. Sherwood Forest believes education and opportunity are fundamental rights for all children. Their mission is to transform the lives of children in need through powerful programs that allow them to discover their self-worth, realize their potential, and become successful adults.
Rural Development Partners
Rural Development Partners is a Community Development Entity with a national service area eligible to apply for an annual allocation of Federal New Markets Tax Credits. From 2004 through 2024, RDP has won thirteen NMTC awards from the US Treasury totaling $816.7 million. Funding has helped over 50 businesses and nonprofits expand to provide quality jobs, economic impacts, healthy food access, and development opportunities for underserved communities. RDP seeks to serve and partner with businesses, non-profits, communities, and government entities that share its mission to build public-private partnerships for catalytic job growth in rural America. Learn more about RDP and the NMTC program by visiting our website or social media platforms at Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
