VITA Grant FAQs Category: Application Process

 

1. How do I apply for a VITA grant?

Applicants must utilize Grants.gov to apply for a VITA Grant. Extensive details on the application process and its requirements are covered in the Publication 4671, VITA Program Overview and Application InstructionsPDF.

2. Will all applications be considered?

Only complete applications received through Grants.gov by the due date and meeting the eligibility requirements will be considered.

3. What period does the VITA grant cover?

The new VITA grant period is October 1 through September 30 and it covers 12 months.

4. When can I submit an application?

Applications may be downloaded from Grants.gov beginning May 1 and must be completed and submitted through Grants.gov on or before May 31. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the submission of application is automatically extended to the next business day. Remember to allow time for the application to pass Grants.gov validity checks when determining when to submit. Applications not submitted using Grants.gov will not be accepted.

5. When should the Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, be completed?

The SF LLL is only required if the applicant must disclose lobbying activities pursuant to 31 USC 1352.

6. How do you obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)? (added October 28, 2022)

A UEI is assigned when an organization registers in SAM.gov.

7. How do I register or update my current registration on the System for Award Management (SAM)?

Visit SAM.gov for information on registering. User guides are available on the web site's HELP tab. SAM now includes the Central Contractor Registration and Excluded Parties List System.

8. Can a small partner that is not part of a coalition and can reach the target population be considered for the grant?

Yes. All complete applications submitted where the applicant meets eligibility will be considered.

9. Will the grant be awarded for free federal tax return preparation activities not associated with the VITA program?

No. The grant will only be awarded to organizations that will participate in the IRS VITA Program.

10. Is there an average award amount or number of awards?

What about a maximum or minimum award amount? No. There is no average award amount or specified number of awards. We do not have a maximum or minimum award amount either.

11. Is it possible to receive a smaller amount than requested on the application?

Yes. The IRS may reduce the amount of the federal funds requested when awarded. If we do, the applicant will have the opportunity to accept the award at the reduced amount or decline the award in its entirety.

12. Are copies of applications for prior award recipients available for review?

In order to obtain copies of applications you should submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. For more information about the FOIA process, see IRS Freedom of Information. All requests should be mailed to:

IRS FOIA Request
HQ FOIA Stop 93
2385 Chamblee Tucker Road
Chamblee, GA 30341

13. May I apply for both the VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly grants?

Yes. Organizations may file an application for both. However, the sites offering services under each program must be separate with their own SIDN and EFIN. In the event you are awarded both grants, you must ensure funds are not commingled and administrative recordkeeping must be separate.

14. If I use information from a previous application, does it harm my chances of receiving a grant?

It is possible. Each year the application stands alone during the technical ranking phase. Failure to address any changes to information requested could result in a lower technical score. If you were a prior year recipient, the Grant Program Office considers your performance and financial growth from its experience with your organization during the award period.

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