Child Tax Credit Grant Opportunity FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: Child Tax Credit Outreach Grants
Can I apply if my organization is not a 501(c)(3)?
Yes, but you must have an agreement with a fiscal sponsor that has its IRS
501(c)(3) designation and submit a copy of that agreement in the space provided
in the application.
Must my activities be conducted in the neighborhoods listed in the call for
proposals?
Activities can be conducted anywhere in Philadelphia if they are targeted at
families most likely to not already be receiving the CTC. We encourage groups
that have an existing presence in the identified neighborhoods to consider
applying due to the large number of households we believe are missing out on
the CTC in those areas.
Are the activities you will fund limited to the proposed activities in the call for
proposals?
No, the activities listed in the call for proposals are only examples; we will
consider any approaches that will increase the number of families claiming the
Child Tax Credit and strongly encourage applicants to propose what they do
best, and what they know works best, in their communities.
Can I use the funds to help people file their taxes?
These funds can be used to help families access non-filer portals to claim the
CTC, but not for full tax preparation services. We encourage community groups
to refer clients who need tax prep support to the Campaign for Working Families
at www.cwfphilly.org. If an organization is already providing tax preparation
services using other resources, we encourage a proposal for how these funds
could be used to engage in outreach to recruit more clients to your tax
preparation services for the purposes of claiming the CTC and any other tax
benefits for which they may be eligible.
Why won’t you consider funding advertising or tax preparation services?
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity
(CEO) is already investing resources in those activities.
Can I partner with another organization?
Yes, partnerships between two or more organizations are welcome.
Can I use the funds to produce materials?
CEO will provide materials that organizations can use for outreach to save time
and effort, but we understand that some communities may better respond to
unique messages or approaches that our materials may not include.

Organizations are welcome to use funds to produce additional materials if they
find it necessary, provided they distribute those materials as part of this project.
How can I get training to be a portal navigator?
CEO will organize a free, on-line training for staff or volunteers of community
organizations that wish to assist families in navigating the non-filer portal at
www.getCTC.org/philly (for as long as the IRS accepts filings from the portal).
The training(s) will be scheduled and announced at a later date.
Can funds be used to provide legal advice or legal services to parents or
guardians to help them claim the CTC?
Yes, if the legal advice or services are being offered by a qualified attorney or
legal services non-profit organization and will lead to more families claiming the
CTC.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
We recommend only one proposal per organization due to the limited amount of
funding.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of funding I can request?
We expect to award grants in the range of $5,000 to $20,000 but are open to
proposals for slightly less or more if they will be particularly effective at reaching
very hard to reach populations.