Family Independence Initiative

Promoting Economic Mobility with the Power of Information

Location: United States

Family Independence Initiative (FII):  Grantee in 2012

FII works with low-income people, coming up with innovative approaches that will put them in control of their own lives and progress.  Headquartered in Oakland, California and funded primarily through foundation grants, FII programs in six United States cities over a decade have shown that investing in people’s strengths and initiative delivers powerful, sustainable and cost-effective results.

The FII model is simple; they rely on the power of group sharing and accountability.  Groups of six-eight low-income families come together, meeting regularly to share resources, ideas and advice.  The group setting fosters support and reinforces the accountability that drives results.  FII provides participants with rewards (up to $200/month) for self-reporting on positive actions they are taking in such important areas as wellness, education, skill building and even the networking they do to help each other.

For more information, see: https://www.fii.org/sites/northern-california/

GRANT SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

2012:   $20,000 to support staff salaries, matched savings, and a resource bank for a demonstration project in Fresno, California.  The project consists of six cohorts, each with six-eight families.

IMPACT

Increased earnings, savings and improved quality of life for participating families.  More civic engagement that further extends the reach of the program.