Assets for Independence (AFI)

Assets for Independence (AFI) is a community-based approach for giving low-income families a hand up out of poverty. Utilizing existing individual and community assets, AFI strengthens communities from within through the use of matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Through financial education, AFI demonstrates the use and impact of IDAs to help low-income individuals move toward greater self-sufficiency.

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Latest AFI Resources RSS Feed

  • AFI 11th Report to Congress (2010)

    October 11, 2012
    The Office of Community Services provides reports to Congress on the status of AFI Program implementation. The reports are based largely on data submitted

  • AFI Program Evaluation

    October 11, 2012
    AFI is a demonstration program established to investigate new strategies for helping low-income families become economically self-sufficient. To better evaluate

  • Guidance for Assets for Independence Grantees Concerning Treatment of Refundable Tax Credits

    September 13, 2012
    Many low-income individuals and families who are eligible for AFI-funded IDA projects are also eligible to receive benefits from Federal refundable tax credits.

  • AFI Program Performance Management

    September 13, 2012
    OCS and a group of AFI grantee leaders have collaborated closely to develop a set of performance measures for the AFI program, plus a series of performance

  • AFI Project Builder

    July 20, 2012
    The Project Builder serves both those  new to IDAs who want to prepare a  proposal to request an AFI award and  those current AFI project staff who are 

  • For Prospective Grantees

    May 30, 2012
    AFI Individual Development Account Grant Funding The Assets for Independence (AFI) program provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations and

  • Seeking Grant Application Reviewers

    May 31, 2012
    The Office of Community Services is seeking experienced professionals to participate in reviewing grant applications for several programs including Assets for

  • Apply for an AFI Grant

    May 30, 2012
    AFI provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations and government agencies that empower low-income families to become economically self-sufficient for the

  • Domestic Violence Survivors

    April 26, 2012
    Financial independence is often a pathway out of an abusive relationship.  For those who wish to or who have left their abusers, many  survivors are faced with

  • Financial Stability for Families With Young Children

    April 26, 2012
    An estimated 40% of families with children in the U.S. are unable to cover basic expenses. This is especially true for families with young children. Family
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