Cash Campaign Of Maryland Inc

Results: With its statewide network of partners, CASH annually prepares 22,000 free tax returns, bringing in $30 million in tax refunds to low-income taxpayers, provide free financial education and coaching to over 7,000 residents, and conduct advocacy on state and federal policies. To achieve this, CASH focuses on the following core strategies: - Provide free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to help low-income individuals and families file tax returns, avoid predatory fees and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Coordinate and expand access to free, fact-based financial education and coaching - Connect low-income individuals and families to high-quality financial services and products - Recruit, train, and manage a corps of volunteers - Lead a network of direct service providers that offer free tax preparation, financial education and coaching, benefits screening, and access to appropriate financial services - Build statewide program capacity by integrating asset building services into public and private systems - Lead research and advocacy on effective program practices, innovative state policies, and issues affecting the financial security of low-income individuals and families Last year, CASH and its partners successfully served more than 13,000 people across Maryland through free tax preparation services. Through financial coaching, CASH served 104 people in a total of 370 sessions; participants were able to increase their credit scores by an average of 38 points and decreased debt by an average of $2,400. More than 11,000 people received financial education by CASH or its partners, and an additional 4,239 people were impacted via outreach events. Connecting people to resources, CASH also screened 270 households for public benefits and enrolled in $230,437 worth of assistance. Additionally, 358 households received financial navigation support and were connected to 1,229 referrals. Overall, CASH and its partners served more than 31,000 individuals and families in 2022. CASH continues to lead a network of direct service providers that also offer free tax preparation, financial education and coaching, benefits screening, and access to appropriate financial services. CASH partners with EarnBenefitsOnline (EBO)/ SeedCo to provide free benefits screening. Our case managers help clients determine their eligibility for public benefit programs by using EBO, a one-stop portal for over 20+ different benefit programs that is used to help clients more easily apply for a variety of benefit programs because it shortens and simplifies the application. Some of these benefits include tax credits, utilities, health, energy assistance, nutrition (such as SNAP/Food Stamps), and more. Our case managers then review intake forms and assist with applications, referrals, and follow-ups to monitor the process and status of submitted applications.

Target demographics: individuals and families with a low-to-moderate income

Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2022, CASH successfully prepared 13,360 tax returns. Keeping cash in the pockets of households that need it most, CASH helped Maryland residents save a total of $4 million in 2022 by removing the barrier of fees for a crucial service. Due to our free tax preparation services, Maryland taxpayers were refunded $28.5 million. Of that sum, Baltimore residents were refunded $10.3 million. Across 8 sites in Baltimore, 168 volunteers spent 4,166 hours (about 5 and a half months) serving our community members and successfully prepared 4,800 tax returns. This would not have been possible without our 367 volunteers who cumulatively dedicated 16,569 hours (about 2 years) at 35 tax sites throughout Maryland.

Geographic areas served: Maryland

Programs: CASH accomplishes its mission through operating a portfolio of direct service programs (free tax prep, financial education and coaching, benefits screening), building organizational and field capacity, and leading policy and advocacy initiatives to strengthen economic stability in high-need communities across Maryland.