Family Independence Initiative (now Up Together)
Promoting Economic Mobility
Fast Facts
Location:
Fresno, CA
Sponsored by:
Beth Sawi and Mark Scott
Grant Years:
2012
Category:
Guaranteed Income
Website:
How Family Independence Initiative, Now UpTogether, Is Making a Difference
UpTogether continues the mission of Family Independence Initiative by investing in people who are experiencing financial hardship, providing them with cash they can use however they wish, no strings attached. UpTogether amplifies stories and data to show the impact of investing in people and provide evidence that guaranteed-income programs work.
UpTogether seeks to influence policies and change systems so all can achieve financial freedom.
Work of Family Independence Initiative, Now UpTogether
- Supports low-income families in forming peer networks, tracking progress on goals, and receiving unrestricted financial support based on their actions.
- Provides a strength-based platform that centers on community, capital and choice, trusting people to make decisions for themselves.
- Invests in unrestricted cash payments to individuals and families while measuring outcomes and building data on economic mobility.
- Partners with philanthropy, government and community organizations to shift policy and narrative about poverty.
- Engages members in peer-led groups and social networks to drive change without depending solely on top-down services.
Initiatives Supported by Project Redwood
2012: $20,000 to support staff salaries, matched savings, and a resource bank for a demonstration project in Fresno, CA.