The Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Request for Funding Proposal Technical Assistance Telemeeting Ron Smith, Becky Banks, Lucinda Nord, Jackie Troy, Kate McKnight (812) (765) Funded by the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant CFDA #

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative “Financial Stability” and “Asset-building” are used interchangeably and represent the range of activities to help people build assets and remain financially stable. 2

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative A Coalition is defined- “as a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action”. Coalitions may be a formal or informal gathering of different organizations for a united purpose. Several separate entities such as United Way, La Casa, Hamilton Center, etc.; or Pathfinders (CRP), IHCDA, and a CAP agency. A more diverse coalition will score more points. 3

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Suggested Objectives Increase the participation of individuals with disabilities, their families and advocates in economic activities that build and preserve assets; and Increase collaboration among the financial stability partners, including organizations that serve persons with disabilities. 4

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Possible Activities to fulfill Objectives -Money management skill training or Financial literacy sessions -Second-chance Checking/Savings Accounts (Bank On or American Enterprise Institute (AEI)) -Debt and Credit Counseling opportunities -Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), Educational Development Accounts (EDAs) and other matched savings accounts -Money Smart Program – Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations (FDIC) sessions 5

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Possible Activities to fulfill Objectives -Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) -Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) public awareness campaigns -Debt counseling, debt consolidation and/or credit repair Maximizing public benefits as eligible (Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, CHIP, LIHEAP, Lifeline Link-Up, etc.): and using Social --Security Work Incentives when applicable -Supporting and working toward self-sufficiency and financial independence -Create a resource Map of local community (strengths, weaknesses, gaps in services) 6

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative What are the sources of support the coalition would use to enhance its activities? (Local bank or credit union, United Way, Community Action Programs?) 7

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative What are some examples of outcome measurements: Number of persons with disabilities provided transportation to VITA sites Number of persons with disabilities filing taxes through VITA site. Number of persons with disabilities filing for EITC. Number of persons with disabilities setting up IDA’s. Number of family members of persons with disabilities attending financial stability training classes. Number of CRP or CMHC staff attending financial stability training classes. 8

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative What is your plan to connect with individual with disabilities? Meetings at the local CRP’s or CMHC’s? Having a CRP or CMHC representative in the coalition? Meeting with family groups? Advertisements? 9

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative How will your coalition sustain the activities that increase the number of individuals with disabilities participating in financial stability coalitions and related activities? Find a motivated partner from your local CRP’s or CMHC in the coalition. Believe in the mission. Continue working with organizations that support individuals with disabilities. 10

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Question and Answers Q – There is so much to do. Where do we start? A – Pick needs and objectives that will meet the goals of the grant for your community. Q – How do we know the needs in our community? A – For the purposes of this grant, include what your partners already know about services in your community. Build your project proposal to meet the needs you identify. 11

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Question and Answers Q – If my organization provides an asset-building program, can my organization apply by itself? A – No, these grants are designed to build coalitions. Your organization may be the lead organization, the programmatic partner or the fiscal agent but the strongest applications will be those which demonstrate a commitment from a diverse group of separate partners. Q – Does the grant require a match? A – No, the grant does not require documentation of cash or in-kind match value. However, the strongest applications will demonstrate ability to sustain activities related to MIG goals (increased participation by people with disabilities and increased collaboration) beyond the grant period. 12

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Question and Answers-1 Q – What are coalition activities? -Collect and provide data on the participation of individuals with disabilities, their families and advocates in Asset Development and Financial Literacy services and coalitions. -Collect and provide data on the increasing number of coalition partnerships with organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities. -Commit the necessary staff time and participation. -Participate in project-related technical assistance activities. At least one coalition member and one or more of the coalition partners must participate in the June 15 symposium and regional trainings. 13

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Question and Answers- p. 2 Q – What are coalition activities? -Participate in monthly project meetings with Project Coordinator (phone or in person). -Designate a lead person from the coalition for interfacing with project staff. -Work together with coalition partners to promote increased awareness of the importance of Asset Development and Financial Literacy to individuals, families and organizations. -Work together with coalition partners to increase the number of individuals with disabilities, their families and advocates in Asset Development and Financial Literacy education and training activities services, with the ultimate goal of decreasing poverty and, increasing and preserving the assets of individuals with disabilities. 14

Indiana Financial Stability Initiative Tell us about your other Questions? 15