Explore more ways to support

We get it, being a CASA is a big commitment, and it’s not for everyone. But there are still powerful ways you can support children and youth in San Francisco’s foster care. 

Anyone can make a difference

1. Spread the word 

Know someone who might make a great CASA? Tell them about us or invite them to an info session! Word of mouth makes a big impact. 

2. Follow & share 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and share our posts — it helps more people learn how to get involved.

3. Invite us to speak 

We’d love to connect with your workplace, book club, church, or community group. Just reach out to our Community Engagement Specialist at melany@sfcasa.org and we’ll set something up!

Every action can make a big impact. Here are 3 easy ways to support our mission.

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Prepare youth on doing their taxes

You don’t have to be a CASA to volunteer to make a difference.


SFCASA is no longer accepting applications for volunteers for 2026, but check back here for opportunities to volunteer with us in 2027. Or if interested in this work for 2026, please see the list of VITA sites on the United Way Bay Area website.

A woman with glasses and a man are seated at a table, looking at documents and engaging in discussion. In the background, two women are standing near a door, and the room has walls decorated with colorful posters and artwork.
Person wearing an orange shirt signing a document on a dark wooden table, with papers and flowers nearby.
A woman with black hair, wearing a striped shirt, working on a laptop at a desk in a well-lit room with plants and a computer monitor.
Two people working together on a laptop in an office, with a third person working at a computer in the background.
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Help navigate the tax system

What does the program look like?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program exists to help current/former foster youth prepare and file their tax return(s) for free. With the help of incredible IRS Certified volunteers, we help youth understand and navigate the tax system.

Who is behind SFCASA’s VITA site?

SFCASA VITA’s site is administered by the IRS to provide free tax preparation to eligible taxpayers. State and Federal returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers, who undergo training and are required to pass an IRS exam. SFCASA’s VITA site exclusively serves the foster youth population.

Multiple volunteer roles needed

We’re looking for IRS Certified volunteers with a passion for advancing economic mobility and financial literacy.

    1. .Volunteer Standards of Conduct

    2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review(QR)

    1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct

    2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review

    3. Basic OR Advanced Preparer Certification

    1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct

    2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review

    3. Advanced Preparer Certification ONLY

Help current and former foster youth put money back into their pockets. 

Help current and former foster youth put money back into their pockets. 

Volunteer Timeline

#1—Application

Please fill out the interest form/application above. Someone from our team will follow up with more information within 24-72 hours.

#2—Complete trainings

New volunteers must undergo IRS training to obtain their certifications. Training will be offered in-person & remotely in December/January. Self-paced training will also be available.

#3—Examination

All volunteers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview exams. Preparers/reviewers must take the Basic/Advanced exam. Volunteers MUST submit their IRS certifications before volunteering.

#4—Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities for 2026 are full, but you can start volunteering for any future year after getting IRS certified! SFCASA’s VITA site often operates from February to April and volunteers have the option of staying until the end of June.

Group of diverse young adults standing in a classroom holding signs that promote free tax help and credit awareness, with some wearing masks.

Volunteering with VITA at SFCASA

“The best part about VITA at SFCASA is definitely the people! The community is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. I’ve learned a lot and met some amazing people in my short time already.”

- Harrison K.

FAQs

  • Yes, all VITA volunteers MUST be IRS certified yearly. 

    However, depending on what position you volunteer in, you might not need to take all 3 exams.ext goes here

  • All of the exams are open book and untimed.

    Both the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview/QR exams are composed of 10 questions. It usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. 

    The Basic and Advanced preparer exams have 35 questions. You do NOT have to take both but each can take up to 4 hours.

  • You must receive a score of 80% or higher on EACH exam. 

    You have 2 attempts to pass each exam.

Certification

  • You must receive a score of 80% or higher on EACH exam. 

    You have 2 attempts to pass each exam.

  • Yes!

    Here are some ways you can combine them:

    1) Intaker, preparer, and quality reviewer

    2) Preparer and quality reviewer

    3) Intaker and quality reviewer

    4) Intaker and preparer

  • There is no official time commitment. 

    However, we do ask that you have a consistent set schedule once the tax season begins.

  • You will be able to volunteer remotely.

  • You’ll be assisting current and former foster youth in California.

Volunteering

SFCASA’s VITA site

  • The site officially opens February 1, 2026.

    The site will officially close April 15, 2026.

  • No. If you are a current or soon-to-be CASA, you are not expected to also volunteer with our VITA site.

    However, we would be more than happy for you to participate if you are interested.

    CASAs who work with youth 16+ are highly encouraged to join our tax project.

More VITA Resources

Volunteer Resource Guide
Learn more about VITA
Standards of Conduct
Intake/Interview/Quality Review

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Explore other ways to volunteer at SFCASA

Many volunteers help produce our annual Fostering Change Gala, Advocate Appreciation Party and Youth Holiday Party, as well as one-time events.

Contact our Community Engagement Specialist, Melany Romero, at melany@sfcasa.org and we’ll set something up.