CASH Campaign

What CASH Campaign does

CASH Campaign of Maryland is a Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2001, that delivers free tax preparation, financial education, and asset-building services to low-to-moderate income residents across Maryland. Following a July 2017 merger of CASH Campaigns of Baltimore and Maryland, the organization operates with a statewide footprint, a six-person management team, and 11-50 total staff, supported by an annual operating budget of $3-4 million. Its service mix includes IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation through 800+ certified volunteers and 30+ partner sites, Maryland CASH Academy financial education classes, one-on-one financial coaching, Bank On Maryland banking-access certification, benefits screening, the Maryland Community Fellows Program, and the Maryland Direct Cash Table initiative. The organization also administers the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund, a guaranteed-income pilot for young families, and is the first nonprofit selected to staff the Maryland Financial Education and Capability Commission.

The operating model is a nonprofit service-delivery and policy-influencing organization rather than a technology business. The disclosed technology stack is limited to TaxSlayer for tax return preparation; no proprietary software, AI systems, or technical platforms are maintained. Service delivery is volunteer-amplified and partner-mediated through the CASH Coalition network, which coordinates 30+ partner organizations across financial capability, tax, and asset-building programs.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of government grants (federal, state, local), foundation grants (including Annie E. Casey, Weinberg, Kresge, and Hoffberger), corporate and individual contributions, program service income, and CASH Coalition subgrants. Notable single-funder concentrations include a $4,458,663 Baltimore Community Foundation grant (May 2025) and a City of Baltimore commitment of approximately $4.8M for the BYFSF pilot. Program expansion has been incremental and programmatic, consistent with nonprofit operating cadence rather than venture-style scaling.

Name

CASH Campaign

Legal name

CASH Campaign of Maryland

Website

https://cashmd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CASH Campaign of Maryland is a Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering free tax preparation, financial education, coaching, and asset-building services to low-to-moderate income Maryland residents via IRS VITA programs, Bank On Maryland, and policy initiatives like the Maryland Direct Cash Table.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Financial Empowerment Services

NAICS

Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services (5412)

akta.pro primary industry

Taxpayer Services, Education & Outreach (BPAIADAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Income Support & Cash Assistance Programs (BPAIAKAE), Revenue Systems, E-Filing & Digital Tax Administration (BPAIADAO)

Keywords

• Free tax preparation
• Financial education
• Financial coaching
• Benefits screening
• Guaranteed income

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Substantial revenue from federal, state, and local government grants supporting VITA operations, guaranteed income program administration, and financial education initiatives.
2. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Hoffberger Family Philanthropies for guaranteed income pilot and general operations.
3. Corporate and Individual Contributions: Donations from corporations and individuals supporting the organization's mission and programs.
4. Program Service Income: Fees for training services provided to partner organizations and subgrant administration fees from IRS VITA partnerships.
5. CASH Coalition Subgrants: CASH releases RFPs to financially support partner organizations operating tax prep sites, with grants ranging from $2,500-$50,000, funded through IRS VITA program and private funders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CASH Campaign of Maryland provides free tax preparation services through the IRS VITA program using IRS-certified volunteers, supplemented by free financial education classes (Maryland CASH Academy), one-on-one financial coaching, benefits screening, and access to affordable banking through Bank On Maryland certified accounts. The organization also administers guaranteed income pilots, a paid fellowship program, and policy advocacy initiatives to expand economic security for low-to-moderate income Marylanders. All client-facing services are delivered at no cost.

Product overview

CASH Campaign of Maryland operates a multi-service nonprofit portfolio focused on economic advancement for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in Baltimore and across Maryland. The core offerings center on free tax preparation services through the IRS VITA program, including both volunteer-assisted preparation and facilitated self-assistance using free tax software. Complementing tax services are financial education classes (via Maryland CASH Academy), one-on-one financial coaching, and Bank On Maryland partnerships providing access to affordable banking. The organization also administers innovative programs including the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund (guaranteed income pilot), Maryland Community Fellows paid fellowship program, and coordinates the Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards and Commission. Recently launched the Maryland Direct Cash Table coalition to align direct cash policy across the state.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Keep Your Money!: Annual kickoff event for free tax preparation services celebrating the organization's anniversary and promoting free tax filing.
• Bank On Maryland
• Maryland Community Fellows Program
• Maryland Direct Cash Table

Products and services

• Free Tax Preparation (VITA) Free federal and state tax preparation services for households earning $69,000 or less, delivered through IRS-certified volunteers at VITA sites across Maryland using TaxSlayer software.
• Facilitated Self-Assistance Tax Preparation Free tax software access for individuals to file their own federal and state returns with optional assistance from CASH staff throughout the process, targeting households earning under $69,000.
• Financial Education Classes (Maryland CASH Academy) Free financial education classes covering budgeting, credit management, savings strategies, banking, and tax preparation knowledge, delivered through the Maryland CASH Academy online platform.
• Financial Coaching Free one-on-one financial coaching and financial planner connections to help individuals set financial goals, create budgets, and develop money management skills.
• Bank On Maryland Statewide initiative certifying affordable, fee-free bank and credit union accounts for unbanked and underbanked individuals, partnered with national and local financial institutions including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, M&T Bank, PNC, TD Bank, Fulton Bank, Atlantic Union Bank, Ally Bank, and Discover.
• Benefits Screening and Resource Navigation Screening and referral service helping individuals identify and access public benefits and resources for which they may be eligible, including determining which benefits participants might risk losing due to program participation.
• Baltimore Young Families Success Fund (BYFSF) Guaranteed income pilot program administering $1,000 monthly unconditional cash payments to 200 young families ages 18-24 in Baltimore City for 24 months, providing economic stability and mobility support.
• Maryland Community Fellows Program Paid fellowship program training students in federal and state tax law and placing them at Community Action Agencies to provide free tax preparation services, with stipends up to $7,200 for 400 hours of service.
• Tax Partnership Network Network of direct service providers and universities offering free tax preparation across Maryland, with CASH providing training, materials, technical assistance, and grants ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 to partner organizations operating tax prep sites.
• Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards Annual awards program co-hosted by CASH, Maryland Council on Economic Education, and Maryland State Department of Education recognizing educators and organizations for delivering financial education programs statewide, with categories including Community Champion, Outstanding Organization, Elementary/Middle/High School Teacher or Program, and Sheldon K. Caplis Corporate Partnership Award.
• Maryland Direct Cash Table Statewide coalition initiative bringing together 30+ advocates, philanthropy, researchers, service providers, policy leaders, and community members to align direct cash policy and pilot priorities across Maryland.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 308,000 tax returns prepared generating nearly $455 million in refunds over 25 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Loyola University MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2026Partnership with Loyola University Maryland student volunteers through VITA program. Over 265 IRS-certified students prepared 1,101 tax returns generating $1.95 million in refunds for Baltimore residents. Since 2019, Loyola's site has facilitated 3,762 returns and $6.25 million in refunds.
• Baltimore City Community Action PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Fellows placement site and VITA tax preparation partner. Hosts Maryland Community Fellows and manages Tax Counseling for the Elderly Free Tax Sites.
• Human Services Program of Carroll CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITA tax preparation partner site providing free tax filing services to Carroll County residents.
• Montgomery County Community Action AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITA partner site and Community Fellows placement location serving Montgomery County residents.
• SHORE UP! Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITA tax preparation partner site in Salisbury, MD (Wicomico County) providing free tax filing services.
• Lifestyles of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Fellows placement site in Charles County providing free tax preparation services.
• United Way of Frederick CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Fellows placement site providing free tax preparation services in Frederick County.
• Human Resource Development Commission of Allegany CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Fellows placement site providing free tax preparation services in Allegany County.
• Prince George's Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTax partner site offering drop-off appointments for free tax preparation serving Prince George's County.
• Terp Tax @ UMDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Maryland tax preparation site offering in-person and virtual prep options, including non-resident returns.
• Delmarva Community ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTax partner in Cambridge, MD (Dorchester County) offering in-person and drop-off tax preparation options.
• Montgomery County Community Action AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTax partner serving Montgomery County residents through in-person services at Rockville location.
• Prince George's CASH CampaigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVirtual-only VITA service for Prince George's County residents.
• Community Tax AidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree tax assistance provider in Washington, DC serving similar population.
• Baltimore Mayor's Office of Children and Family SuccesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunched Baltimore Young Families Success Fund guaranteed income pilot. CASH serves as nonprofit administrator for the $4.8 million, 200-family program.
• Mayors for a Guaranteed IncomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of approximately 170 mayors advocating for federal guaranteed income. Provided technical assistance for Baltimore GI pilot.
• Abt AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner evaluating Baltimore GI pilot outcomes. Interim and final reports show positive impacts on participant income, housing, education, and employment.
• SteadycoreTechnology or IntegrationDisbursement partner for Baltimore GI pilot providing payment cards and customer support. Selected for fee-free transactions and dedicated support team.
• Wide Angle Youth MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to capture participant stories from GI storytelling cohort, documenting impact through video media.
• The Arc MarylandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided resources for GI program Book Club participants with children with disabilities, including guidance on Individualized Education Plan process.
• Maryland Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Baltimore GI pilot, providing public benefits waiver protection for participants.
• Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOversees Maryland Corps Benefit Navigator Members assigned to host organizations throughout Maryland, with CASH providing coordination.
• Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Bank On Maryland initiative with national standards for certified bank accounts accessible to unbanked populations.
• Bank of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified SafeBalance Banking account available to Maryland residents without bank access.
• Capital OnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified 360 Checking account available to Maryland residents.
• ChasecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified Secure Banking account available to Maryland residents.
• M&T BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified MyWay Banking account available to Maryland residents.
• PNC BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified Simple Checking account available to Maryland residents.
• TD BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified TD Essential Banking account available to Maryland residents.
• Fulton BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified Xpress Account available to Maryland residents.
• Atlantic Union BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified PRISM Checking account available to Maryland residents.
• Ally BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified account available to Maryland residents.
• DiscoverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank On Maryland certified account available to Maryland residents.
• Tax Credits for Maryland FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition co-led by CASH advocating for greater economic security through tax credits for low-income working families.
• Reach of Washington CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides FREE Financial Education Classes to Washington County residents through Financial Education Partnership of Washington County coalition.
• Frederick Coalition for Financial SuccesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides continuum of resources to help individuals understand, manage and improve personal financial stability through coordinated activities.
• CAFE Montgomery MDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition for Advancement of Financial Education promoting policies and delivering programs for Montgomery County residents.
• Financial Empowerment Center Prince George's Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpands financial capability of county residents through free tax preparation, financial education, and banking opportunities.
• Annapolis/Anne Arundel Financial Education Coalition (AAAFEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup of nonprofits, businesses, and individuals dedicated to improving economic success through high quality financial education services.
• Maryland Direct Cash Table PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNewly formed statewide table bringing together 30+ advocates, philanthropy, researchers, service providers, policy leaders, and community members to align direct cash policy and pilot priorities across Maryland.
• Maryland Council on Economic EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards with CASH and Maryland State Department of Education.
• Maryland State Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards recognizing excellence in financial education statewide.
• IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal program partnership providing framework, materials, and certification for free tax preparation services nationwide.
• Maryland General AssemblycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecognized honorees from Financial Education and Capability Awards during evening session at the State House.
• Prosperity Now!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization that CASH works with as part of state policy groups network. Publishes annual Prosperity Now Scorecard.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): Major national community development financial institution supporting economic opportunity in underserved communities. Broader mandate than CASH but overlapping financial inclusion and asset-building focus.
• Prosperity Now: National nonprofit working on economic opportunity, publishing the annual Prosperity Now Scorecard and operating state policy groups — CASH works with them in this capacity. Broader scope than CASH but overlapping financial capability and asset-building agenda.
• Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund: National municipal-finance nonprofit that supports Bank On initiatives including Bank On Maryland. Operates the national Bank On certification standards CASH adopts and provides technical assistance to CASH's banking access program.
• National Council on Aging: Large national nonprofit addressing economic security for older adults, including financial coaching and benefits navigation. Overlaps with CASH's financial coaching and benefits screening services at a much larger national scale.

Direct peers

• Community Tax Aid: Washington DC-based nonprofit providing free tax preparation through VITA to low-income residents, listed as a direct CASH partner. Operates similar IRS-certified volunteer-driven model serving the same target population across the DC/Mid-Atlantic region.
• Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB): DC-area nonprofit providing financial education, coaching, and free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income households. Closely mirrors CASH's service portfolio across the adjacent DC metro geography.
• The Financial Clinic: NYC-based nonprofit delivering financial coaching and counseling to low-income individuals, with a focus on outcomes measurement. Directly comparable one-on-one coaching model and low-income client base.
• Maryland Council on Economic Education: Statewide nonprofit delivering financial education to Maryland schools and communities, co-hosting CASH's annual awards. Direct overlap on financial literacy curriculum delivery and educator training in the same geography.
• Compass Working Capital: Boston-based nonprofit providing financial coaching and asset-building services to low-income families, including Children's Savings Account programs. Direct overlap on coaching model and CSA program delivery.

Emerging players

• Credit Builders Alliance: National nonprofit helping low-income consumers build credit and access mainstream financial services. Overlapping focus on financial access for unbanked/underbanked populations but narrower product set than CASH.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CASHMD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCFRE4g-uSJKOopW4kp17E8A
• Facebookfacebook.com/cashmaryland
• Instagraminstagram.com/cashcampaignmd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CASH Campaign