Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects
About the Program
The primary goal of the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Contribution Project Program is to create or preserve an environment that will help attract, expand, and retain employers in the Enterprise Zone.
Colorado Taxpayer Incentives
State income tax credits equal to 25% of monetary contributions and 12.5% of in-kind contributions are available to Colorado taxpayers who make charitable contributions to approved nonprofits that improve economic conditions within the Enterprise Zone.
Approved South Metro EZ Contribution Projects
To qualify for the Enterprise Zone Contribution Tax Credit, contributions must be made to approved South Metro Enterprise Zone (SMEZ) Contribution Projects.
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is in the process of establishing and approving SMEZ Contribution Projects in alignment with State of Colorado requirements.
A public listing of approved SMEZ Contribution Projects will be posted on this page once projects are designated.
Eligible EZ Contribution Project Types
Capital Campaign Projects
Capital campaign projects encourage public/private partnerships, raise money for a specific capital project to serve the broader community, and begin construction or implementation within five years. Eligible capital campaign categories include:
- Community Facility
- Workforce Housing
- Tourist Attraction
- Infrastructure
Operations Projects
Operations projects fund new economic activity in the enterprise zone to achieve near-term goals. Eligible operations categories include:
- Business Assistance
- Economic Development Organizations
- Job Training Programs
- Visitor Event/Attraction
- Healthcare
Ineligible EZ Contribution Project Categories
Social services are not typically eligible for EZ Contribution Project status because they do not achieve near-term economic development goals. These include:
- Endowments
- General Education
- Food Subsidies and Food Banks
- Child Care and Youth Activities
- Eldercare
- Most Human Services
- Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
- Homeless Support and Prevention Services**
**As of January 1, 2023, Homeless Support and Prevention Service Providers in Colorado no longer participate in the EZ Contribution Project Program, and may now participate in the Colorado Homeless Contribution Income Tax Credit (HCTC) Program. Please visit the Colorado Department of Local Affairs website for more information regarding the HCTC Program, as well as a listing of eligible nonprofit organizations and projects.
Additional Program Information
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Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not tax or legal advice. Program requirements may change. Confirm current requirements with the State of Colorado and your tax advisor.