▸ Programs & Services ▸ Financial Stability

Financial Stability

Vermont Community Action Agencies helped thousands of individuals and families improve their economic stability. During 2020, with the help of the Vermont Legislature, we stemmed the tide of disintegrating micro-businesses, provided direct personal business counseling, offered educational workshops and helped Vermonters increase their financial capacity and hold on to and add to their savings accounts. We provided essential assistance with tax preparation and strategies in building a stronger future.

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Current Programs

Financial Stability and Asset Building

Creating and sustaining micro businesses, personal business counseling, education workshops, increased financial capacity, savings, and tax preparation.

Income Tax Assistance

The Community Action Agencies operate an extraordinarily successful Volunteer Income Tax Program working closely with the IRS and community volunteers. Free tax help is available for Vermonters who have low to moderate income, the elderly or for military personnel and their families.

Financial Energy Counseling

Personal and family financial and energy coaching

Micro Business Development Program (MBDP)

Moving VT businesses toward prosperity. Visit the MBDP Website

The Vermont Need

22.6%

of Vermonters have income volatility

20%

of Vermonters have low financial well-being

21%

of Vermonters own micro-businesses

VCAP Reach

  • 1,727 received coaching to build assets and increase financial skills
  • 751 attended financial capability classes
  • 3,919 received tax assistance
  • 436 Vermont micro-businesses received stimulus grants from VCAP’s CARES Act program

VCAP Annual Impact

  • 163 Vermonters increased their savings
  • 558 micro-business and development start-up classes
  • $5,564,686 in tax refunds were brought back into the Vermont economy through the VITA Program
  • 78 New Americans participated in financial coaching, house parties and classes
  • 61% of CARES micro-business applicants were female or minority owned businesses
  • 84% of VCAP micro-business owners rely on self-employment for household income