▸ 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

Green Saving Smart

Green Saving Smart is a program of Vermont Community Action Partnership, a network of five agencies working together to improve your life and help you access energy savings that reduce your carbon footprint. We help you establish financial wellness through individualized one-on-one coaching. Our certified financial coaches help you manage your personal finances while offering ways to reduce your carbon usage—through transportation options, home energy upgrades, and tax credits and incentives. Together, we can help boost your savings and improve your life.

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

23%

of Vermonters have income volatility

20%

of Vermonters have low financial well-being

21%

of Vermonters are employed by micro-businesses

VCAP Reach

  • 2,491,727 received coaching to build assets and increase financial skills
  • 769 attended financial capability classes
  • 4,043 received tax assistance
  • 436 Vermont micro-businesses received stimulus grants from VCAP’s CARES Act program
  • 114 New Americans participated in financial coaching, house parties and classes

VCAP Annual Impact

  • 157 Vermonters increased their savings
  • 1,807 Vermonters participated in micro-business and development start up classes
  • $9,410,982 in tax refunds were returned to the Vermont economy through the VITA Program
  • $2,355,000 was distributed through EMBRACE to over 471 micro-businesses in the midst of a pandemic when business was faltering and low income entrepreneurs were struggling