ORONO — Four Directions Development Corporation recently received a $7,000 grant from the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition Inc. to support the efforts of the organization’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Tax Preparation program.

This program allowed Four Directions to work directly with Wabanaki tribal members in Maine to prepare and file their tax returns through the Wabanaki CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) initiative, preparing over 115 tax returns to date.

This program offered free tax preparation and e-filing by a certified tax preparer. Tax clinic appointments are available at the Four Directions’ offices or in the tribal communities. These services provide taxpayers access to available tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“Despite COVID making this season look very different, Four Directions assisted a record number of taxpayers with filing their taxes,” said Sayre Savage, Four Directions’ Financial Capabilities Program manager, according to a news release from the nonprofit.

The corporation’s tax programs work to educate Wabanaki individuals and households about financial resources, support, and education services. As an organization, Four Directions aims to improve the social and economic conditions of the Native American tribes in Maine through education and investment in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit fourdirectionsmaine.org.

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