Program Overview
IDA allows administering organizations to provide qualified Kansans of low-income levels the opportunity to achieve financial self-sufficiency through education and asset development via special savings accounts. An Individual Development Account, also known as an “IDA,” is a savings account for low-income workers that can be used for small-business development, higher education, or purchasing a first home.
Under this program, the state authorizes specially selected non-profit organizations to offer tax credits to donors contributing to the approved programs.
Applicant organizations are eligible for a 75 percent credit.
The goals of the IDA Program are to decrease the number of Kansans receiving public income support and the number of communities with a high concentration of poverty. The IDA Program raises the quality of life for all Kansans by increasing:
- The number of Kansans living above the federal poverty line
- Kansans who become homeowners
- Kansans completing over 12 years of education
Total Funding
$500,000 in state tax credits have been allocated for the Individual Development Account Tax Credit Program in 2025. The maximum award of tax credits is $100,000. However, if the total number of requests for tax credits by community-based organizations is less than $500,000, additional tax credits may be awarded by Commerce to a previously selected Administrator.
Qualifying Programs
Under IDA each proposal shall create opportunities for Program Participants to accrue savings for the following purposes:
1) Purchase of a first home
2) Pay for home repairs
3) Build on a small business
4) Pay for college or specialized training
Selection Criteria
The Department of Commerce will evaluate all proposals based on project need, innovation, planning, agency capacity, fundraising capacity, and overall quality of the application.
Key considerations include:
- Describing the community needs that the proposed program will benefit.
- Addressing the impact of the project on the community with projected statistical results.
- Demonstrating how the project will impact the community and how broad-based support has been gathered.
- Demonstrating the ability and capacity to administer a program.
- Download the program guidelines for more information on program requirements.
Who Qualifies
Any religious association, charitable association, or tribal entity may submit a proposal to serve as a community-based Program Administrator.
Application Period
The IDA application period is now closed. Watch this page for future details.