The Arc’s Financial Literacy Initiative

Take Control: Build Financial Security

Introduction

In collaboration with the Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB), The Arc’s Center for Future Planning is offering training to 5 chapters of The Arc on how to help low-income families improve their financial literacy (e.g. understanding credit and debt, choosing financial products and services, investing, asset protection).

In addition, the training will address information on financial vehicles available to families that include a child with I/DD such as special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. As part of this work, chapters will also provide families with information about disability benefits in their state for inclusion in this lesson.

This train-the-trainer curriculum will support chapters to offer financial planning training to at least 10-15 low-income families that include a child with I/DD 18 and younger. Funding will be offered to chapters to provide this training to families.

All chapters of The Arc are eligible to apply for these grants regardless of whether they were previously awarded this grant.The Arc will award up to 5 competitive grants of $6,000 to state and local chapters that commit to completing these project activities between March – September 2018.

These activities include:

  • Assigning 2-3 staff members to attend 12- 14 hours of train-the-trainer sessions via webinar and facilitated by CAAB and The Arc. The train-the-trainer will cover content from a Money Management 101 curriculum.
  • Recruiting a minimum of 10-15 low-income families that include a child with I/DD 18 years old or younger.
  • Properly using The Arc’s and CAAB’s logo in recruitment and training materials.
  • Submitting reports and invoices as scheduled.
  • Submitting photographs, a blog or written story as requested to showcase our efforts for the Metlife Foundation and The Arc.
  • Updating The Arc via phone and email (e.g., monthly calls).

Note: Any costs for meeting space and other meeting related expenses must be accounted for in this funding.

Applications due: Thursday, February 15.

Applicants are encouraged to send the application below via email. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

Via Email to:

Liz Mahar

Director, Family & Sibling Initiatives

More about The Arc’s Center for Future Planning and Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB)

The Arc’s Center for Future Planning

The Center for Future Planning aims to support and encourage people with I/DD and their families to plan for the future. The Center provides information and assistance to individuals with I/DD, their family members and friends, professionals who support them and other members of the community on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options, and financial planning.

To learn more about the Center’s resources, please visit futureplanning.thearc.org.

CAAB

CAAB’s programs help low- and moderate-income individuals and families improve their money management skills, increase their savings, and build wealth by investing wisely. Their goal is to create a community that provides everyone with incentives and opportunities to save for the future.

CAAB’s Money Management 101 is a five-module series made up of two-hour classes. Participants will learn how to gain control of their finances by acquiring knowledge of: setting financial goals and tracking expenses, budgeting and saving, credit and compound interest, and credit reports.

These 5-part series cover the basics of money management, including setting financial goals and tracking expenses, budgeting and saving, credit and compound interest, and credit reports.

  • Class #1: Understanding Your Financial Relationship
  • Class #2: The Art of Budgeting
  • Class #3: Take Charge of Your Credit
  • Class #4: Know Your Financial Rights
  • Class #5: Pay Yourself First: The importance of Saving

Take Control: Build Financial SecurityApplication

In the application below, state and local chapters of The Arc interested in participating in this financial literacy initiative should describe current ways they provide financial education to low-income families in their state and discuss how they will recruit members for this project.

Chapter Profile

Chapter:Click here to enter text.

Contact Name:Click here to enter text.

Address:Click here to enter text.

Phone Number:Click here to enter text.

E-Mail:Click here to enter text.

1. Why do you want to take part in this project?:

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2. What financialinformation or technical assistance resources does your state or local community currently offer low-income families that include a child with I/DD (18 years old or younger)?

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3. Describe the financial literacy work your chapter doesforfamilies of a child with I/DD.

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4. Describe the demographic of the families and children with I/DD you serve including number of children with disabilities, ethnicity, and any economic challenges (you can use this link to assist you

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5. The project is intended torecruit low-income familiesthat include a child with I/DD and provide them with financial literacy training. Low-income is considered at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and the child with I/DD should be 18 years old or younger. How will you leverage existing community partnerships as part of the recruitment efforts and/or the trainings?Please describe your plan for recruitment and implementation.

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