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Request for Proposals (RFP)

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites

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In collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation, Prosperity Now seeks proposals from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in one of the communities specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP) to receive funding for the 2025 tax season. The VITA program offers free tax preparation services to Native communities, individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, or senior citizens. This funding aims to support VITA sites with demonstrated financial needs to deliver these essential services to communities with limited access to resources. Prosperity Now and Wells Fargo will announce the grant recipients on March 30th, 2025.

Proposal Submission

Applicants must provide the following information to be considered for funding:

    • A description of the organization, its mission, and its services.

    • Evidence of the organization’s commitment to providing free tax preparation services.

    • A detailed outline of how the grant funds will be used.

    • An explanation of how the funding will expand, maintain, or enhance the VITA services provided.

    • Information on target populations and strategies for outreach to communities with limited resources.

    • A comprehensive budget breakdown for the requested funding

    • Details of any additional funding sources supporting the VITA program.

    • A description of the program's expected outcomes, including the estimated number of individuals served, tax returns filed, and additional financial services offered to clients.

    • Information on the methods used to track and report program outcomes.

Details

VITA sites play a crucial role in providing free, accurate, and secure tax preparation services to millions of taxpayers each year. As part of a one-year partnership, Prosperity Now and the Wells Fargo Foundation will distribute $200,000 in grants to support VITA sites in Native Communities, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Washington, DC.

 

*For this RFP, Native Communities refers to Native American nations and tribes, Alaska
Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

Available Funding

Grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000 per VITA site, determined by the organization’s size and the demonstrated needs outlined in its RFP submission. A total of $200,000 is available for distribution.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:

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  1. Be a certified VITA site or a partner agency supporting VITA activities.

  2. Serve individuals and families with limited financial resources or focus on populations under-resourced, including individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency.

  3. Operate within one of the communities specified in the RFP.

  4. Demonstrate a proven track record of delivering effective tax preparation services.

Reporting Requirements

After the 2025 tax season, grant recipients must submit a report by July 31, 2025. This report should summarize key metrics, including:

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  • The number of individuals served

  • The number of tax returns prepared

  • The total dollar amount of tax refunds processed

  • The total dollar amount of federal tax credits claimed

  • Any additional financial services offered

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Grant recipients must also participate in future learning opportunities and/or at the 2025
Prosperity Summit with Prosperity Now and the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Timeline

  • Proposal Due Date: March 14, 2025

  • Grant Awards Announcement: March 31, 2025

  • Final Report Submission: July 31, 2025

Submission Instruction

Applications should be submitted electronically via Google Forms by March 14, 2025. For questions or additional information, contact Prosperity Now at programsteam@prosperitynow.org.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

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  • Certification: Verification that the applying organization is a certified VITA site, Check certification here.

  • Demonstrated Need: Evidence of financial need and alignment with the mission to serve Native Communities, individuals, and populations with limited financial resources.

  • Impact: The potential impact of the proposed activities, including anticipated outcomes.

  • Organizational Capacity: The organization can deliver tax preparation services effectively and efficiently.

  • Budget: The proposed budget's clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness.

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