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MFDC to Headline 2013 Festival
NEA awards second grant to Festival of Nations
 For the second year, the International Institute of St. Louis has been awarded a Challenge America Fast-Track Award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for $10,000. Specifically, the award will support performances by the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago (MFDC), the Enterprise Main Stage act at this summer's festival.
The MFDC was founded in 1982 by José Luis and Matie Ovalle, who continue as its artistic directors and choreographers.
Fast costume changes, ringing music and festive dancing have characterized the Company's performances for almost 30 years. An extensive repertoire presented in lavish costumes, worn by young, energetic dancers make MFDC's program an exciting, colorful, and yet educational experience.
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2012 Tax Assistance Vital
We help refugees file millions in tax refunds
This spring, 411 families benefited from assistance in filing their income taxes. The program was coordinated through the International Institute Community Development Corporation (IICDC) in collaboration with the Gateway Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Community Coalition.
The initiative provides culturally and linguistically sensitive, secure and free tax preparation services for  low to moderate income families. During the past 3 filing cycles, participants filed for refunds totaling $388,650 from the State of Missouri and $1,309,989 from the federal government. In all, refugees recouped $1.6 million.
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), three out of five individual tax returns filed in 2007 were completed using paid services. A survey conducted by the National Society of Accountants found the average fee for having an accountant prepare a 2012 individual tax return form was $246.
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