Grow Brooklyn

Grow Brooklyn has partnered with the irs for the past 12 years to provide high-quality, free tax preparation services to low-income individuals. As one of the top 50 volunteer income tax assistance (vita) providers in the country, Grow Brooklyn is the largest non- commercial tax preparer in Brooklyn. Each year, we prepare over 8,000 tax returns, with approximately one-third of these returns claiming the earned income credit (eic), directly benefiting families in need. Additionally, one-quarter of our tax clients are eligible for and receive the child tax credit (ctc), providing crucial support to working families. We are also deeply committed to serving self-employed individuals, through the irs se pilot and the nys department of consumer & worker protections self employment tax prep services, which serves approximately 500 clients annually, many of whom are itin holders. Our commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond tax season, as we offer year-round support and resources to help individuals maximize their refunds, improve financial literacy, and access additional public benefits. Through these efforts, Grow Brooklyn plays a vital role in helping to lift thousands of new yorkers out of poverty and into financial stability.

Grow Brooklyn provides free legal services to support housing stability in new york city's most impacted neighborhoods. Our comprehensive foreclosure prevention counseling and estate planning services are designed to address the unique challenges faced by these communities. Each year, our foreclosure prevention program assists approximately 300 homeowners, helping many to successfully modify their mortgages and remain in their homes. Recognizing that 10-15% of our clients facing foreclosure also contend with estate issues, Grow Brooklyn offers a targeted estate planning program called 'protect your treasure.' This initiative empowers individuals and families in low-income communities to preserve their financial assets, including their homes, by providing estate planning, estate administration advice, and limited legal services in conjunction with our foreclosure prevention efforts.