2026 VITA Support Fund strengthens community-based organizations providing no-cost tax preparation services

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With support from a $1 million Wells Fargo Foundation grant, Prosperity Now announced today the recipients of the 2026 VITA Support Fund, expanding support for community-based organizations providing trusted, no-cost tax return preparation services across the country.

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The organizations announced today represent the first group of recipients supported through the 2026 VITA Support Fund. Additional organizations will be announced later this year as part of the initiative’s expanded support for VITA providers nationwide.

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These IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs ensure eligible individuals prepare accurate tax returns and claim   refundable credits for which they qualify, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

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Each year, millions of eligible individuals do not claim valuable tax credits. In 2025, approximately 24 million workers and families benefited from the EITC, receiving nearly $70 billion in total credits, with an average refund of $2,894. When households receive refunds as intended, those funds can help cover essential expenses such as housing, groceries, childcare, utilities, and education. For many, a tax refund represents one of the largest single payments they receive all year.

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“At a time when families are navigating ongoing financial strain, access to trusted, no-cost tax return preparation is more important than ever,” said Marisa Calderon, President and CEO of Prosperity Now. “We are deeply grateful to the Wells Fargo Foundation for expanding their philanthropic investment this year, allowing us to support more VITA providers and help more households claim the refunds and credits they’ve earned.”

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Professional tax preparation services can be costly, with average fees for a basic return often exceeding $200. For households managing tight budgets, those fees can create additional strain. VITA programs help remove that barrier by offering trusted, no-cost tax return preparation services in community settings.

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“At Wells Fargo, we believe that financial health is the foundation for opportunity,” said Bonnie Wallace, Head of Financial Opportunity Philanthropy for Wells Fargo. “That belief is what connects us so strongly to Prosperity Now’s vision: ensuring every individual and family has access to the tools they need to build stability and long-term prosperity. Our commitment to help strengthen VITA sites nationwide will expand access for families and connect tax time with broader financial opportunities.”

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Collectively, this year’s grantees are expected to:

• Prepare more than 20,000 tax returns
• Help households claim an estimated $25 million in refunds and refundable credits
• Participate in year-round training, technical assistance, and peer learning through Prosperity Now’s Tax Opportunity Network

The VITA Support Fund reflects Prosperity Now and Wells Fargo Foundation’s shared commitment to strengthening community-based organizations that provide reliable tax return preparation nationwide.

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The 2026 VITA Support Fund Recipients

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Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center, Inc.

Alaska Business Development Center

ASIAN, Inc.

Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, Inc. (BVCAP)

CASA, Inc.

CASH Campaign of Maryland

CEIBA Inc

East River Development Alliance Inc. dba Urban Upbound

Increasing H.O.P.E

International Rescue Committee in San Diego (IRC in SD)

Koreatown Youth and Community Center

Lakes and Pines Community Action Council Inc.

Nevada Free Taxes Coalition

New Economics for Women

North Texas Area United Way

Northeast Kingdom Community Action

Penquis C.A.P., Inc.

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation

Prepare + Prosper

Progreso Latino

The Village for Families & Children

United Planning Organization

United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley

United Way of Central Texas

United Way of Frederick County, MD

United Way of Greater Stark County

United Way of Northern New Jersey

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County

United Way of San Joaquin County

United Way of South Texas

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

United Way of the Plains: Free Tax Filing Services

United Way of the Wine Country

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

United Way Suncoast

University of Utah - Financial Wellness Center

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

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