Project Grant 26VITA0151

VITA Grant Award Summary

Bakerripley, doing business as Neighborhood Centers, received a $675,000 Project Grant from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Matching Grant Program (CFDA 21.009) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This matching grant supports the organization's delivery of free tax return preparation and filing services to low- to moderate-income populations in Texas, with particular emphasis on underserved communities. The organization will provide comprehensive VITA services targeting vulnerable populations including persons with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, Native Americans, rural residents, military members and their families, and elderly taxpayers.

Under this award, Bakerripley is required to enhance operational capacity in key areas including increasing electronic return filing capability, strengthening quality control measures, expanding volunteer training programs, and improving the overall accuracy of prepared tax returns. The organization must ensure that at least 90 percent of returns prepared serve individuals whose earned income does not exceed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) thresholds and must file all eligible returns electronically. The grant enables the organization to expand its existing financial services infrastructure while maintaining compliance with VITA program guidelines and IRS operational standards across its Houston-area service network.