Banking on the Future
A Good Idea
Description
The goal of Banking on the Future is to help low-income residents of Orange County, California achieve financial stability.
About 25% of eligible tax payers living in Orange County do not claim eligible tax credits, totaling approximately $65,000,000 in unclaimed credits. Therefore, Banking on the Future aims to reach 8,000 families each year to provide awareness of and access to resources and mainstream banking services and financial literacy education.
From January to August of each year, Banking on the Future implements a three tiered campaign. First, they help participants access resources that they are eligible for, provide free tax preparation, and guide participants in accessing the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Second, the program provides low-income individuals and families with financial literacy education courses using the FDIC's Money Smart curriculum. And lastly, Banking on the Future helps participants access mainstream banking services, such as checking and savings accounts.
About 25% of eligible tax payers living in Orange County do not claim eligible tax credits, totaling approximately $65,000,000 in unclaimed credits. Therefore, Banking on the Future aims to reach 8,000 families each year to provide awareness of and access to resources and mainstream banking services and financial literacy education.
From January to August of each year, Banking on the Future implements a three tiered campaign. First, they help participants access resources that they are eligible for, provide free tax preparation, and guide participants in accessing the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Second, the program provides low-income individuals and families with financial literacy education courses using the FDIC's Money Smart curriculum. And lastly, Banking on the Future helps participants access mainstream banking services, such as checking and savings accounts.
Goal / Mission
The goal of Banking on the Future is to help low-income residents achieve financial stability.
Results / Accomplishments
During the 2010 tax season, Banking on the Future assisted 5,465 tax payers and returned $7,511,984 in federal refunds.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Orange County United Way
Primary Contact
Natalie Reider
Orange County United Way
18012 Mitchell Avenue South
Irvine, CA 92614
949-660-7600
NatalieR@UnitedWayOC.org
http://www.unitedwayoc.org/banking-future
Orange County United Way
18012 Mitchell Avenue South
Irvine, CA 92614
949-660-7600
NatalieR@UnitedWayOC.org
http://www.unitedwayoc.org/banking-future
Topics
Economy / Investment & Personal Finance
Organization(s)
Orange County United Way
Date of implementation
2005
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Orange County, CA
Target Audience
Adults, Families
Additional Audience
Low-Income