Financial Empowerment

We aim to provide financial education for everyone by implementing effective programs and collaborating with local partners.

Our Goal for 2030

Thousands of Story County families aren’t in the financial position to weather even a small storm, struggling paycheck to paycheck. Financial stability helps families move from surviving to thriving, but many lack access to the tools to get there.

Beginning in 2025, United Way of Story County will invest in tools to build long-term financial stability for 1,000 households annually through:

Access to affordable, quality child care
VITA volunteer recruitment and filings
Women United
Wheels for Work

Empowerment By The Numbers

tax returns were filed through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program

came back to Story County residents through the VITA tax returns

$ 0

people participated in Women United financial literacy events

Creating Financial empowerment in Story County

We aim to provide financial education for everyone by implementing effective programs and collaborating with local partners. Our goal is to help every person in Story County gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

NOTE: Data from 2023 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess financial education in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

Local need

Financial insecurity affects thousands of households in our community, as shown by these realities:

18% of households are unbanked or underbanked
26% of households do not have $400 on hand to cover an emergency expense
34% of people reported worrying about rent/mortgage over the last year
51% of households spend 30% or more of income on rent

Response

Invest in programs that provide financial tools, education, and support to help families build long-term stability including:

Quality, affordable childcare
Income tax preparation assistance (VITA)
Financial education programming and financial coaching
Support services for homelessness prevention and housing navigation

Impact

These strategic investments deliver tangible outcomes for Story County households:

395 individuals filed taxes at community VITA sites
8,127 individuals referred to financial assistance and other non-food programs to increase their disposible income
$1,380.71 was the average tax return for VITA filers
243 people participated in financial literacy or financial assistance programs
94% of financial literacy/financial assistance program participants reported having increased financial knowledge
$14,264 saved through SingleCare prescription cost-savings cards

Creating Financial Empowerment in Story County

Wheels for Work

Frankee dedicated her career to community service, transitioning from education to non-profit leadership. As President and CEO of the United Way of Story County from 2000 to 2010, she championed philanthropy by addressing community issues, supporting education, and consistently exceeding annual campaign fundraising goals.