The community-based organizations will serve as messengers to educate residents about the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit
PHILADELPHIA, January 13, 2023 – The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) and Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation (Scattergood) announced the award of grants to 22 community-based organizations to conduct grassroots outreach as part of the Claim Your Money PHL campaign to educate Philadelphians about the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The CTC and EITC help to reduce poverty, particularly among children. In 2021, thanks largely to an expanded CTC and stimulus payments, child poverty decreased nationally by 46 percent, according to the Supplemental Poverty Measure.
“Community-based organizations play a crucial role as credible messengers and connectors and were a major part of our efforts last year to maximize the number of Philadelphians claiming these credits,” said Mitchell Little, Executive Director of CEO. “While we are disappointed that Congress has not extended the more generous version of the CTC, educating residents about these benefits and connecting them to free tax preparation will lead to even more low-income families receiving these funds.”
“Based on last year’s program, we know these tax credits help to improve the economic stability of Philadelphia families, ultimately reducing the stress and anxiety they feel. We are grateful to continue to play a role in this program with the City and are excited for the 22 community-based organizations to get started on this important work,” said Joe Pyle, MA, President of Scattergood.
Grant recipients will conduct a variety of activities to educate residents about the credits, connect them to free tax preparation services, and/or help them access any available non-filer portals to claim the credits. Grants range from $5,000 to $12,000.
“Southwest CDC is excited to be part of the Claim Your Money PHL campaign,” said Donna Henry, Executive Director of Southwest Community Development Corporation, one of the recipients. “We think it is important to educate Southwest Philadelphia residents on the federal Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, so they reap the benefits for their families.”
“For more than a decade, Ardella’s House has been dedicated to helping justice-involved women realize new possibilities for themselves and their families. We are excited to spread the word about the Claim Your Money PHL campaign because it gives women the money they need to achieve greater stability and plan for a brighter future,” said Tonie Willis, Founder and Executive Director of Ardella’s House, another of the recipients.
A total of 68 applications were submitted. Applications were reviewed by a nine-person Selection Committee, the majority of which represent community organizations.
“We thank the Selection Committee and the 68 organizations that applied,” Little added. “We also encourage Congress to adopt legislation to make the expanded CTC
and EITC permanent. It is alarming that our elected officials would send millions of families back into poverty because they failed to act.”
Grant Recipients
Congreso, Impact Services, Southwest CDC, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Ceiba, Maternity Care Coalition, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, African and Middle Eastern Center for Health and Development (AMEC), Ardella’s House, HACE, Nueva Esperanza, Women in Dialogue, Kithsm, Broad Street Ministry, Friends of FDR Park, Hunting Park NAC, African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), Supporting Older Women Network (SOWN), Families Forward, Womxn Beyond Borders, Coalition of African Communities (AFRICOM)
About the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), CEO provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians can share in the city’s prosperous future. As the Community Action Agency (CAA) for the City of Philadelphia, CEO awards Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds to more than 20 programs that serve thousands of low-income residents each year. More information is available at www.phila.gov/ceo.
About the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation
The Scattergood Foundation believes major disruption is needed to build a stronger, more effective, compassionate, and inclusive society where behavioral health is central. We approach our work with humility and strive to share power responsibly while being unrelenting advocates for practices that advance equity for all. At the Foundation, we THINK, DO, and SUPPORT in order to shift the paradigm and practice for behavioral health and recognize the unique spark and basic dignity in every human. More information is available at www.scattergoodfoundation.org.
