Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Community Services and Employment Training, Incorporated (CSET) received a $130,000 Project Grant from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 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 funds CSET's delivery of free tax return preparation services to underserved populations in Tulare County, California, with a focus on low- to moderate-income individuals whose earned income does not exceed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) threshold, as well as persons with disabilities, limited English proficient individuals, Native Americans, rural residents, members of the Armed Forces and their families, and elderly taxpayers.

Under this award, CSET will expand its VITA site capacity and service delivery by increasing electronic return filing capabilities, enhancing volunteer training programs, implementing heightened quality control measures, and improving the accuracy of tax returns prepared. The organization is expected to achieve at least 90 percent service to eligible low-income populations, file all eligible returns electronically, meet its annual return production goals, and demonstrate incremental increases in return preparation year-over-year. CSET may utilize subrecipients to help deliver key program elements, provided they adhere to all grant program guidelines and requirements.