Thank you to The Benter Foundation for awarding Neighborhood Allies a $50,000 grant in support of the Fund My Future and Economic Opportunity Program Integration.
For the last four years, Neighborhood Allies has supported Fund My Future’s rapid expansion: from a Propel Schools-based program to one open to all families in Allegheny County in 2017, to a state-wide initiative with PA Treasury in 2020. In April 2021, Fund My Future PGH moved from Propel Schools to Neighborhood Allies, where the program joins other Economic Empowerment Initiatives, the Financial Empowerment Center and Bank On Allegheny County. Together, these initiatives provide opportunities for individuals and families in the Pittsburgh area to increase their knowledge, hope, skills, and assets.
The Benter Foundation’s investment into this program at this critical time will ensure that Neighborhood Allies not only continues this valuable program but also proves the concept so other entities can confidently replicate.
Since 2017, over 4,000 families have enrolled in Fund My Future in Allegheny County. Although half of the families that enroll don’t already have a long-term savings account for their children, half of those open one after receiving our assistance in opening accounts and reminders to save along with the chance to win cash prizes. 60% who were not saving when they enrolled have started to save, and 40% of all participants with bank accounts are making a deposit in any given month!
Now, in the face of economic fallout due to COVID-19, our initiatives have become more essential than ever. We continue to expand, providing more services to greater segments of the population, and building long-term financial stability. We have learned that it’s not enough to simply provide financial information; those who have traditionally been excluded from the financial mainstream need more assistance, resources, and encouragement. And we’re here to provide all of that and more!
Our work would not be possible without the tremendous support of funders like The Benter Foundation. Thank you for your continued commitment and investment as we engage Pittsburgh area residents and organizations with innovative tools that expand opportunity for transformative community change.
