Strengthening no-cost tax preparation services nationwide
In Collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation
Prosperity Now, in collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation, invites certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and organizations that directly support VITA operations across the United States to apply for funding for the 2026 filing season.
This opportunity supports certified VITA sites and/or organizations that operate a VITA program in expanding access to no-cost basic tax return preparation for individuals who generally make $64,000 or less, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency who need assistance preparing their own tax returns.
Grant recipients will be announced on February 17, 2026.
Funding Overview
Total Funding Available: $200,000
Grant Range: $5,000-$20,000 per organization, based on demonstration of need, and proposed use of funds per organization.
Funding will support VITA programs and supporting organizations committed to increasing access to no-cost, in-person basic tax preparation services for individuals eligible under IRS VITA guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following re:
- Be an IRS-certified VITA site or an organization that directly supports VITA operations.
- Provide no-cost basic tax return preparation to individuals who meet IRS VITA eligibility guidelines.
- Demonstrate a track record of delivering accurate, reliable, and accessible tax preparation services.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include the following sections:
1. Organizational Overview
- Description of your mission, values, and core services.
- Evidence of your commitment to providing no-cost tax preparation services.
2. Operational Plan
- Detailed outline of how grant funds will be used.
- Explanation of how the funding will expand or enhance VITA services.
- Description of target populations and community outreach strategies.
3. Budget
- Comprehensive breakdown of how funds will be allocated. List of additional funding sources supporting your VITA program.
4. Expected Outcomes
- Expected program outcomes, including:
- Number of individuals served
- Number of tax returns filed
- Additional financial services offered
- Description of methods for tracking and reporting program outcomes.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
- Certification: Verification that the organization is a certified VITA site. [Check certification here.]
- Demonstrated Need: Strength of financial need and mission alignment.
- Outcomes: Expected reach and depth of proposed activities, including anticipated outcomes.
- Organizational Capacity: Ability to deliver accurate, efficient tax preparation services.
- Budget: Clarity, feasibility, and alignment with proposed activities
Timeline
Proposal Due Date: January 27, 2026
Grant Awards Announcement: February 17, 2026
Final Report Due: July 31, 2026
For questions or additional information, contact Prosperity Now at programs@prosperitynow.org.
Reporting Requirements
By July 31, 2026, all awarded VITA sites must submit a final report summarizing:
- Number of individuals served
- Number of tax returns prepared
- Total refunds processed
- Total federal tax credits claimed
- Any additional financial services provided
This RFP reflects the commitment of Prosperity Now and Wells Fargo Foundation to expand access to tax preparation services.
© 2026 by Prosperity Now.
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Copyright © 2026 Prosperity Now. Prosperity Now is a registered non-profit organization under the IRS code section 501(c)(3), Tax ID# 52-1141804.