Moving Families Out of Poverty Permanently

Economic Opportunity Challenge
Finalist
UpTogether (f/k/a FII-National)

Using FII’s strength-based approach, the City of Chicago will invest in and learn from low-income residents about how they move out of poverty for good.

Last Updated: January 2023
Competition Participation
EOC Website Logo
Economic Opportunity Challenge
Subject
Economic mobility
Current Work Location(s):
  • Michigan, United States
  • Illinois, United States
  • Texas, United States
  • California, United States
  • Massachusetts, United States
  • Illinois, United States
Priority Population(s):
  • Families
  • Low-income people
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • 1. No poverty
  • 8. Decent work and economic growth
  • 10. Reduced inequalities

Executive Summary

The $400B invested in welfare programs annually has not made poverty escapable. FII and the City of Chicago are partnering to move low-income families out of poverty, permanently. Using FII’s approach and online platform, the City is investing directly in the strengths and solutions that low-income families and their communities already have, and removing the deficit-based criteria traditionally used to access support. Through FII’s UpTogether, families strengthen social networks, access unrestricted cash, set goals and monitor progress, and support one another in achieving mobility. On average, families that join FII increase their income by more than 20%, quadruple their assets, and form stronger social connections. As an estimated 3,000 Chicagoans make progress towards their goals—and at least 50% escape poverty permanently—the City will use the robust data collected by FII to explore policy changes to remove other barriers towards economic mobility.

Organization Details
Lead Organization

UpTogether (f/k/a FII-National)

website: http://www.uptogether.org
Organization Headquarters
California, United States
Organization ID
02-0784790
Number of Full-time Employees
26 to 50
Annual Operating Budget
$5.1 to 10 Million
Type
Non-profit

Charity, fund, non-governmental organization, religious institution, school, or other entity

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.

Accomplishments

Over the past 4 years and in partnership with the Department of Family and Supportive Services, 758 of Chicago's south and west side residents receive 2-years of quarterly payments in the amount of $350. In 2022 we are enrolling an additional 250 families.

Help Fund Bold Solutions

Learn more and help fund this highly-rated project:

Lever for change arrows logo