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.

AFI’s main initiatives include:

• Awarding grants to non-profit organizations and government agencies that provide IDAs
• Managing a national resource center to support AFI grantees and develop information on the use of IDAs and related asset-building strategies
• Managing research on IDA usage and implementation