Special Asset Building Summit September 2, 2010.
Bozeman, Montana

Asset Building Summit: Assets are not defined narrowly in the sense of one's vehicle, home, or savings account-but rather encompass the non-tangible assets inclusive of one's health, education, and social capital. In other words, assets represent a broader array of resources that enable people and communities to influence the decisions that affect their lives and ability to participate in society in meaningful ways. Join us after the Rural Communities Conference to discuss economic development in the framework of human, political, and economic assets.

• Coalition Building
• Advocacy Training
• Local and Regional Issues

Register Now for the Asset Building Summit!

RDI Awarded $150,000 grant from the Northwest Area Foundation

Rural Dynamics, Inc./Consumer Credit Counseling Service (RDI/CCCS) a Montana based, non profit, financial advising agency has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Northwest Area Foundation for a three-pronged approach to financial advising.  The approach consists of asset and wealth-building, education and community outreach efforts on financial education, and public policy initiatives that support asset and wealth building.

"This will allow more families access to asset development tools that are essential to creating strong communities," said Tom Jacobson, RDI Executive Director.  "Income helps people get by, assets help people get ahead."

Grant dollars will help families in poverty by promoting family savings accounts, the use of tax credits for people with low income, financial education, expanding a website that identifies benefits for families working their way toward prosperity and by developing a network of nonprofit organizations focused on the work of asset and wealth building.  The award will trigger additional state and federal funding that can be used to match savings for families trying to pay for education, buy a home or start a business.

"Montana is rich in assets:  our environment, our quality of life, our people, and our resources.  However many of our community members are asset poor.  They live paycheck to paycheck, rent their housing, and have not had the opportunity to build financial knowledge."  Jacobson continued. 

RDI/CCCS has been providing free financial consultations across Montana since 1968.  While still providing credit counseling, debt management plans, and financial education services, the organization has expanded partnerships and programs to offer free tax preparation services; Individual Development Account (IDA), matched savings for school or homeownership, programs; policy advocacy work; Bridge to Benefits, on-line and anonymous work support screening tool; and other strategies to help move families to financial security. 

In addition to building assets and wealth, Northwest Area Foundation grants support efforts to build capacity and leadership and improve public policy solutions to help people with low-incomes attain thriving, self-sustaining lives.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals by invitation only.  For more information about the Foundation's grant-making approach and the work of grantees across its eight-state region, please visit www.nwaf.org.   

The Northwest Area Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts by the people, organizations and communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. These states were served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill's son Louis W. Hill established the Foundation.

Rural Dynamics Incorporated, RDI, works to achieve a vision for our region. This vision was created in partnership with organizations and individuals across the Northern Plains region and reflects our values.

We envision a region where individuals and families have the capacity to make positive choices regarding their economic future.  Communities have the infrastructure and resources to provide residents with opportunities to earn a livable wage.  We envision legacy communities where generations of families can live and support each other.  Our region will protect people from predatory financial practices and the consequences of catastrophic incidents, helping them keep more of their money and assets.  Individuals and families will have the opportunity to grow their assets providing a resource for themselves, their family, and their community. 

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