Dear John, 

Applications for the first implementation cohort of the ABC Initiative (Asset Building for Children) close on Friday, August 7. 

With $5 million in support from Citi Foundation, Prosperity Now is launching a two-year initiative to help nonprofit organizations operating IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs connect families to existing and emerging child savings opportunities, with a focus on the new Section 530A Accounts. 

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), eligible organizations may request $25,000 to $150,000 to prepare and implement child savings outreach, education, referrals, navigation, and related support during the 2027 tax season. Funding may support VITA workflow integration, staff and volunteer training, family outreach, partnerships, and referral processes, data collection, and tax-season activation events where appropriate. 

Selected organizations will join a national implementation cohort and receive:

• Training and technical assistance 
• Practical tools and implementation resources 
• Peer learning through the ABC Initiative learning community 
• Evaluation, data collection, and reporting support 
• Participation in the October 6 cohort launch and VITACon convening in Minneapolis 

Prosperity Now's Next-Generation Savings Readiness Report found that 66.9% of surveyed organizations were confident they could adapt to new savings programs, while 62.9% reported low or moderate familiarity with Section 530A Accounts. The ABC Initiative is designed to bridge that gap by pairing funding with practical guidance, training, and peer learning. 

Who Should Apply? 

Eligible lead applicants must be nonprofit organizations that operate an IRS-sponsored VITA program, plan to provide VITA services during the 2027 filing season, primarily serve one or more designated geographies, and serve low- and moderate-income households, including families with dependent children. Applicants should be prepared to integrate child savings information and support into tax-time services, participate in required cohort activities, and collect and report implementation data. Prior child savings experience is encouraged but not required. 

Organizations that do not operate a VITA program may participate as implementation partners but are not eligible to serve as lead applicants. Organizations that operate only Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are not eligible. 

Please note: Eligibility is limited to VITA programs serving specific counties in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico (territory-wide), and South Dakota (statewide). Review the full RFP for the complete geographic list and all eligibility requirements. 

Key Dates 

• Applications Open: July 20, 2026  
• Application Deadline: August 7, 2026  
• Award Announcement: September 16, 2026 
• ABC Initiative Cohort Launch and VITACon Convening in Minneapolis: October 6, 2026 

Ready to Apply? 

Review the full RFP and submit your application using the link below.  

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]