AFI Toolkits: Financial Capability Integration Resources

The Office of Community Services shares knowledge that has been developed through the Assets for Independence (AFI) program to fulfill AFI’s obligation as a demonstration program. One key area of knowledge development has been the integration of financial capability services into other programs and services serving individuals and families with low incomes. Financial capability is defined as “the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.” Resources on financial capability integration are described and linked below.

About Financial Capability Services

This document provides an in-depth look at ten key financial capability services:

Building Financial Capability: A Planning Guide for Integrated Services

This resource is an interactive guide to help community-based organizations interested in integrating financial capability services into existing programs. The interactive tools in the guide walk organizations step-by-step through the process of developing an integration plan, beginning with developing a deeper understanding of clients’ financial circumstances and which financial capability services can help them improve their situations. The guide also includes tools to help organizations determine how best to provide financial capability services—whether through referrals, partnerships, or in-house. To learn more about the guide, view the associated training video series.

The briefs below provide tailored content on using the guide for specific audiences.

• Financial Capability and Head Start
  There are two briefs on financial capability topics for Head Start/Early Head Start programs, once on assessing financial capability and one on financial coaching.
• Financial Capability Integration in Rural Communities
  This brief shares lessons learned about integrating financial capability services into existing programs at four organizations serving rural communities.
• Roles for Intermediary Organizations in Fostering Financial Capability Integration
  This brief shares lessons learned from three local intermediary organizations that have supported nonprofits in their efforts to integrate financial capability services into existing program.
• Community Action Agencies and Financial Capability Integration
  This brief shares lessons and strategies from three community action agencies (CAAs) that are integrating financial capability services into social service programs.
• Multi-service Organizations and Financial Capability Integration
  This brief shares lessons learned from four multi-service organizations, specifically four Catholic Charities affiliates, integrating financial capability services into their work. Although these organizations were all Catholic Charities affiliates, the lessons in this brief can be used by any multi-service organization.
• Financial Capability Integration in VITA Programs
  This brief summarizes lessons learned from three Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs integrating financial capability services into their tax season efforts.
• Integrating Financial Capability Services into Tribal LIHEAP
  The brief shares lessons and approaches for how tribal-serving organizations can integrate financial capability services into LIHEAP and other emergency assistance services.
• Integrating Financial Capability Services into State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Agencies
  The brief shares lessons and approaches for how state TANF agencies can integrate financial capability services into TANF and other emergency assistance services.
• Integrating Financial Capability Services into Tribal TANF: A Case Study
  The brief describes the experience of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Tribe, which worked to integrate financial capability services into its TANF program.

Building Financial Capability in Youth Employment Programs

This report provides an overview of the lessons drawn from a 2013 roundtable of national and local leaders from promising programs convened to discuss current efforts to help youth build financial capability through employment programs.

Family Strengthening through Integration and Scaling of Asset-Building Strategies

This report summarizes the findings of a 2013 field scan on the integration of asset-building strategies.