IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [X] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: Income Growth Strategies Group
Coalition Website:
Key Coalition City/State: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Leslie Wright, United Way
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone lwright@uweci.org 319-398-5372
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: June 2008 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
h Outreach Strategy: Focus is on community involvement in outreach efforts.
h Tax Preparation Strategy: The coalition supported four successful tax sites this year.
h Asset-Building Strategy: Asset building is in the planning stages
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Americorp VISTA
Central Cedar Rapids Weed and Seed Program
Community Corrections Improvement Association
Internal Revenue Service
ISED Ventures
United Way 211
United Way of East Central Iowa
Other Coalition Members
Coe College
Mercy Medical Center
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
For the 2011 filing season, seven locations e-filed 1,280 returns.
Super Tax Saturday (February 12, 2011) - Free tax preparation in coordination with a financial education fair.
Super Tax Saturday (April 9, 2011) - Free tax preparation in coordination with a financial education fair.
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Increase Financial Education Outreach opportunities
Increase Impact of Super Saturday event
Expand to addition locations (locations undecided at this time)
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [ X ] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: United Way of the Quad Cities Area Coalition
Coalition Website: informational link on the United Way Website
Key Coalition City/State: Davenport, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: George Carizey, United Way QCA Community Impact Manager
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone #: gcarizey@unitedwayqc.org/563-344-0331
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: October 2003 - Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois area
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Focused on publicizing EITC and e-filing with flyers through large employers, community groups and
h media outreaches.
h Tax Preparation Strategy: The coalition is coordinating VITA and AARP sites in the four-city, two-state area.
Asset-Building Strategy: The coalition is in the planning stage to see how they can become more involved in financial
h stability for their customers.
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
AARP (Iowa and Illinois)
Center for Economic Progress
Friendly House
IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
Internal Revenue Service
ISED Ventures
Martin Luther King Center
QC Dollarwise
United Way of the Quad Cities
Other Coalition Members
Augustana College
St Ambrose University
Western Illinois University
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
There were 3 VITA and 11 AARP sites open for the 2011 filing season in the two-state area. Volunteers filed 5,579
returns bringing back over $5.6 million in refunds to their community.
The coalition held Super Saturday events this year on Feb. 5 and April 9, 2011 at one site in Illinois and one site in Iowa.
Huge success with VITA and AARP volunteers working together to prepare returns.
The coalition partnered with 2-1-1 this year. 2-1-1 staff took appointments for both AARP and VITA sites, and handled
more than 6,700 calls.
The coalition also had 4 ad hoc sites this year with plans to elevate some of these to full VITA sites in the future. We were
able to assist limited-English-speaking individuals, persons with disabilities, and low income at these sites.
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
United Way of the Quad Cities plans to work with the Coalition chairperson to expand the coalition to include more financial
stability information.
Work with ad hoc sites to become VITA sites.
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [X ] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: Asset Building Coalition of Des Moines (ABCD)
Coalition Website: http://www.liveunited.org/Volunteer/eitc_volunteers_needed.cfm/ and
Key Coalition City/State: Des Moines, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Margaret Van Ginkel, Iowa State University Extension
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone #: vangin@iastate.edu
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: October 2001 - Dallas and Warren Counties, Iowa
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Focused on distributing EITC flyers through large employers, community groups and to targeted
neighborhoods. Also getting media coverage for e-file, EITC and Child Tax Credit awareness.
h
Tax Preparation Strategy: The Coalition has six VITA sites in selected Des Moines neighborhoods, 1 in Dallas County (largely
h Hispanic population) and 1 in Warren County.
Asset-Building Strategy: In July 2011, there will be a Jump Start seminar, free to the public, at Des Moines Area Community
College. DMACC is a member of the ABCD Coalition. Another member, Habitat for Humanity, is free conducting Youth
Financial Education Classes in June, July and August, for children grades 3-8 at the Habitat office in Des Moines. United Way
has a Financial Coaching program for organizations to train their people to help clients to create financial goals and to take
“ownership” of their work. United Way is piloting a program for volunteers to take the financial coaching program and work with
h clients one on one. They expect 6-8 volunteers to join this pilot.
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Affinity Credit Union
Bank of the West
Bankers Trust
Central Place Family Resource Center
City of Des Moines Community Development
Department of Community Development
Freedom Financial Bank
Habitat for Humanity
HUD
IDPH - Bureau of Family Health
Internal Revenue Service
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Iowa Community Action Association
Iowa Credit Union Foundation
Iowa Department of Human Rights/DCAA
Iowa Department of Public Health
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa State Bank
Iowa State University Extension
ISED Ventures
Kuster Ltd
Polk County Health Department
RESULTS
Taxpayer Advocate Services
The Center for Healthy Communities
United Way of Central Iowa
VNS
Wells Fargo
Youth Policy Institute of Iowa
Other Coalition Members
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
Tax returns prepared in 2011: 2,800. Coalition decreased number of sites, but increased total days and hours open.
United Way provided online scheduling for volunteers, and online registration for training classes
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Planning sessions scheduled for summer 2011
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [ X] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: Johnson County Coalition
Coalition Website:
Key Coalition City/State: Johnson County, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Amy Correia, Social Services Coordinator
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone acorreia@co.johnson.ia.us
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: July 2007 - Johnson County, Iowa
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: County governmental effort through all local media outlets - radio, television, newspapers. Focus
h on EITC to low- to middle-income families and individuals.
h Tax Preparation Strategy: Returns prepared at four VITA sites throughout the populated area.
Asset-Building Strategy: Offering financial education in elementary thru high school level along with the traditional
h outreach to low income families.
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Iowa City Community School District
Iowa City Housing Authority
Iowa City Public Library
Johnson County Council of Governments
Johnson County Social Services
Legal Services of Iowa
Lucas Elementary
Lucas Family Resource Center
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
Northwest Junior High
Penn Elementary
United Way of Johnson County
University of Iowa Beta Alpha Psi
University of Iowa Tippie College of Business
Other Coalition Members
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
Coalition partners and volunteers e-filed 897 returns in 2011.
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Focus on financial education at the elementary school level.
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [X] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: North Iowa Tax Coalition
Coalition Website:
Key Coalition City/State: Mason City, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Co-chairs Bambi Urich & Lori Brandt, North Iowa Community Action Org
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone #: burich@nicao-online.org and lbrandt@nicao-online.org
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: September 2008 - Mason City area
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Through radio, newspaper, flyers and mail stuffers, the coalition personalizes its message to match
h the coalition's area of emphasis and unique assets.
Tax Preparation Strategy: Looking to expand sites in three locations: Forest City, Hampton and Algona. Also looking at
adding some day-long blitzs.
h
Asset-Building Strategy: Partner with local community businesses to conduct one-on-one discussions or education with
the targeted audience. All sites highly encourage direct deposit of refunds. Participated in marketing the "Go Direct"
campaign. Trained volunteers and staff in financial literacy strategies to share with clients.
h
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Barnabas Uplift
Iowa State University Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Iowa WorkForce Development
Iowans for Social and Economic Development
North Iowa Area Council of governments
North Iowa Community Action Association
United Way
Other Coalition Members
First Citizens National Bank
Trinity Lutheran Church
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
Coalition partners and volunteers e-filed 223 returns in 2011.
Coalition members wear personalized shirts that reflect their coalition name and logo for recognition within the community.
Coalition purchased communication equipment for tax preparation at the VITA sites for people with disabilities.
Coalition recruited 3 new volunteers
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Create more partnering opportunities
Expand the sites and outreach into the surrounding rural areas
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [ ] Emerging [ X ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: North Central Iowa EITC Initiative
Coalition Website:
Key Coalition City/State: Winnebago, Worth, Hancock, Mitchell, Floyd, Franklin, Butler, Grundy, BlackHawk and Cerro Gordo
Counties, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Brenda Schmitt ISU Extension
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone #: schmitt@iastate.edu 641-512-0650
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: June 2010 - 10 counties in north central Iowa
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Posters: Laundry Mats, North Iowa Community College Center, Grocery Stores, ISU Extension
offices, Churches, Banks, Community Center, Senior Centers, food pantries, crisis intervention, utility bills, local access tv,
radio, facebook, laundry mats, clinics, doctors' offices, factory lunchrooms, childcare providers
· Book Marks – put in every book checked out at libraries
· 3 x 3 ads: paper, church bulletins, 4H Newsletter, Families Newsletter,
· Promoted on ISU Extension web site
· Weekly Radio spots January through April 1
· http://vimeo.com/19947604 - TV Interview
h
Tax Preparation Strategy: One person took appointments for all counties, using a toll-free 800 phone number; all
h volunteers and the secretary used a Googledocs site for scheduling and checking schedules. There will be a WIDGIT set
up for volunteers to ask questions of the ISU Extension staff, who will provide training for all volunteers.
Asset-Building Strategy:
Helped retired and disabled apply for Iowa Rent Reimbursement
h
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Iowa State University Extension
Iowans for Social and Economic Development
Other Coalition Members
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
Supported AARP site in Charles City by taking appointments and promoting site
Volunteers filled out paper work for disabled and elderly for Rent Reimbursement -
Volun
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Volunteers will sign eligible individuals for food assistance
Please Check One: Existing [ X] Emerging [ ]
Please Check One: Existing [ X] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: Tax Dollars For Perry
Coalition Website: N/A
Key Coalition City/State: Perry, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Tamara Borland
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone tborland@iowalaw.org 319-351-6570 ext. 1511
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: 2003 - Dallas County, Iowa
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Reach out to low-income taxpayers by providing free tax preparation which includes free e-filing and
increased EITC awareness. Encourage community involvement and recognition by distributing flyers, preparing
h
informative mailings to local employers and by utilizing the local media. Send promotional and educational flyers home
with school children.
Tax Preparation Strategy: Site open Thursdays and Saturdays during February. Spanish-speaking interpreters are on
h site, as large portion of the Perry population is Hispanic.
h Asset-Building Strategy: Direct deposit of refunds is encouraged.
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
First Christian Church
First Presbyterian Church
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa State Extension/HUP (Hispanics United for Perry)
Iowans for Social and Economic Development
United Way of Central Iowa
Other Coalition Members
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
Partners and volunteers e-filed 98 returns in the 2011 filing season.
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
TBD
IRS-SPEC Partner Coalition FY-11
Please Check One: Existing [ X ] Emerging [ ]
TERRITORY NAME: Omaha
FORMAL NAME OF COALITION: Economic Empowerment Task Force
Coalition Website:
Key Coalition City/State: Waterloo, Iowa
Coalition Chair's Name and Organization: Jeanne Miller, U S Bank
Coalition Chair's e-mail address/Phone jeanne.miller@usbank.com/319-269-8004
Date Coalition Started and Geographical Area Covered: August 2007- Blackhawk, Grundy, Buchanan Counties
Strategies - briefly define each strategy, if applicable
Outreach Strategy: Through local radio stations, distribution of flyers, community newsletters and personal invitations,
h
potential EITC recipients are sought.
h Tax Preparation Strategy: A Central VITA site is located in Waterloo.
Asset-Building Strategy: Banks, community credit unions, mortgage companies and non-profits participate in offering
h a wide variety of financial information through classroom and one-on-one communication. They also conduct forums on
such topics as foreclosures.
Partners: (List Core Planning Group, then Sub-Committee Members, then others if applicable)
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Core Planning Group
Bank Iowa
Internal Revenue Service
Iowa Community Credit Union
ISED Ventures
ISU Extension
Operation Threshold
Opportunity Works
United Way
US Bank
Waterloo Housing Authority
Other Coalition Members
GMAC Mortgage
Institute for Decision-Making
Significant Coalition Activities: (List major items only, using bulleted style)
There was one VITA site open for the 2011 filing season, which generated 165 e-filed returns.
During the 2011 filing season US Bank Debit cards were offered at the site.
Planned Future Activities: ( Summarize major plans, using bulleted style)
Expansion of outreach efforts
Further partnering efforts