Community organizations that serve the lowest income Philadelphians are encouraged to apply for a new grant opportunity to help families claim the expanded federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments.

The Child Tax Credit gives parents or guardians, regardless of income, up to $3,600 for each child under the age of 6, or $3,000 for kids ages 6-17. These payments are already having an impact in reducing child hunger, and it is estimated that 75,000 Philadelphians will be lifted out of poverty if everyone claims the payments they are eligible for.

The IRS began making advance monthly payments of $250 or $300 per child on July 15th for parents or guardians who filed their taxes in 2019 or 2020, or who claimed their children’s stimulus payments. But some of the lowest income Philadelphians are at risk of leaving this money on the table because the IRS does not have their information to begin making payments.

The good news is that it’s not too late. Even if they missed the monthly payments, families can still get the full amount they are eligible for by filing their information with the IRS.

That’s why the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) has teamed up with the Scattergood Foundation to make grants available to community groups for grassroots activities aimed at reaching the lowest income Philadelphia parents or guardians. Funds can be used to educate residents and help them claim the payments.

Applications are due November 1st for work to be conducted from January 1, 2022–June 30, 2022.