VITA Grant Award Summary

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) awarded Cornerstone Community Action Agency Inc. a Project Grant of $150,000 under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Matching Grant Program (CFDA 21.009) for the performance period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This matching grant supports the organization's delivery of free tax return preparation services to underserved and low- to moderate-income populations across its service area in Texas. The grant funding enables Cornerstone to expand electronic filing capacity, enhance volunteer training, strengthen quality control measures, and improve the accuracy of tax returns prepared at VITA sites. The program targets vulnerable populations including individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency speakers, Native Americans, rural residents, military members and their families, and elderly taxpayers.

As a non-profit organization established in 1965, Cornerstone will utilize this funding to extend VITA services to hardest-to-reach communities and ensure that at least 90 percent of returns prepared serve individuals whose earned income does not exceed EITC thresholds. The organization is required to achieve 100 percent of return production goals, file all eligible returns electronically, and demonstrate year-over-year increases in return preparation efficiency. Cornerstone's established track record in administering federal grant programs across multiple service areas positions it to effectively leverage volunteer support and maximize the impact of these tax assistance services within its seven-county service region.