Finra Investor Education Foundation and United Way Worldwide have announced more than $1.2 million in grants to nine recipients as part of the Financial Education in Your Community initiative.
The initiative funds community-based financial education programs across the country that provide effective, unbiased financial education resources for individuals and families. Nearly $7 million has been awarded to 56 grassroots projects since 2009.
"Local non-profit organizations are integral to neighborhood social networks,” said Gerri Walsh, president of the Finra Foundation. “They have a unique ability to craft programs and create environments in which participants can learn and make sound financial choices for themselves and their families."
Two-year grants were awarded to the following non-profit community groups:
Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, Frankfort, Ky. Grant amount: $149,600. In cooperation with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association will expand the reach of its financial stability programs to include low-income students from 16 colleges across the state.
Mission Economic Development Agency, San Francisco, Calif. Grant amount: $150,000. The Mission Economic Development Agency will partner with the San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment to pilot a workplace financial education and coaching program for low-income employees at six hotels.
Step Up Savannah, Savannah, Ga. Grant amount: $150,000. Step Up Savannah and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Savannah will build on a successful workplace financial education program through the addition of financial counseling and coaching services. Program partners will also refine marketing materials to attract new employers and continue the development of an innovative financial employee assistance program.
United Way of Central Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa. Grant amount: $150,000. United Way of Central Iowa will partner with the Iowa Department of Correctional Services' Fifth Judicial District, the Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa Legal Aid to provide financial education, financial coaching, and other support services to improve the self-sufficiency and financial stability of men under correctional supervision by the court.
United Way of Chittenden County, South Burlington, Vt. Grant amount: $150,000. Through its Working Bridges program, United Way of Chittenden County will provide a comprehensive and integrated financial education model to help low- to moderate-wage employees improve their financial stability and their family's economic well-being. Project partners will test a model to provide services for small businesses, introduce a new workshop module on insurance and investing basics, provide increased opportunities for financial coaching and refine program communication and marketing efforts.
United Way of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga. Grant amount: $140,690. United Way of Greater Atlanta will provide Making Wages Work financial education programs in the Atlanta Promise Neighborhood, integrate financial education into the work of other non-profit agencies serving the area, embed financial education in a parent leadership development program and train selected program graduates to provide financial education and coaching.