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MATCH SAVINGS PROGRAM

Helping individuals and families build income and assets

Low-income families face especially high barriers in building assets and developing wealth.

These barriers are partly due to challenges with accessing capital, labor market segregation, and extractive practices and policies. This is especially evident for communities of color. By starting a United Way-supported Matched Savings Program, individuals can build their assets through match savings for emergencies, homeownership, post-secondary education, and small business expansion.

A gift to United Way can help a family stay afloat during a financial crisis, purchase their first home, get an education or grow their business.

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PARTNERING FOR POSSIBILITIES

Match savings programs help families build wealth and achieve lifelong economic stability. Your support fuels programs like the Emergency Savings Match Program and the Lubert IDA Program to make match savings possible.

4:1

individuals can match their savings 4:1 to use at their discretion for emergencies (save $200, match $800)

2:1

individuals can match their savings 2:1 to purchase a new, first home (save $2,000, match $4,000)

3:1

individuals can match their savings 3:1 toward post-secondary education (save $1,000, match $3,000)

2:1

small businesses can match their savings 2:1 to help their business be successful (save $1,500, match $3,000)

EMERGENCY SAVINGS MATCH PILOT PROGRAM

EMERGENCY SAVINGS MATCH

According to the Federal Reserve, nearly 40% of American adults cannot pay an unexpected expense of $400, leading them to borrow money, sell possessions, or neglect the expense entirely.

Emergency savings provide a critical buffer that allows families to weather financial emergencies that could otherwise be life-altering

The Emergency Savings Match Pilot program supports low-income families over the course of three years. Individuals and families receive a 4:1 savings match. You save $200, and we match you $800.

LUBERT INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM

The Lubert IDA program is one of the most important initiatives in our region to decrease the wealth gap while allowing families to become more financially secure.

$784,500

has been saved + matched by individuals and families who participated in the program in FY23

158

people graduated through the IDA Program in FY23

1,200+

individuals and families have participated in the program since 2018

CLICK HERE TO VIEW the 2023 LUBERT IDA impact summary

HOMEOWNERSHIP

Homeownership is a major vehicle for building wealth and economic mobility. It’s an important way for low-income families to build wealth and yield positive social outcomes for years to come.

The Lubert IDA Homeownership Program helps individuals and families purchase their first home through a 2:1 savings match. You save $2,000, and we match $4,000.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY.

It wasn’t always easy, but thanks to United Way and Mr. Ira Lubert’s support of the IDA program, my family has a
safe place to call home.

– Ricknel

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP

From job creation to providing vital goods and services, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. To help start and grow these essential businesses, the Lubert IDA Small Business Ownership Program offers entrepreneurs a 2:1 match. You save $1,500, and we match $3,000.

In partnership with The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and other partners, this program allows small businesses to purchase equipment and other necessities to help their business grow.

Learn more and apply today.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Education opens doors and opportunities. The Lubert IDA Post-Secondary Education Program provides a powerful incentive for individuals by matching their savings for education 3:1. You save $1,000, and we match $3,000.

Those who participate in the Lubert IDA Post-Secondary Education Program have been shown to enroll in and complete post-secondary education programs at a higher rate than their peers.

Learn more and apply today.

This program really taught me to plan and make sure that I get to the bank every single month and deposit a very doable amount of money. I learned saving
pays off in the future.

– Xiaoying Wu, Student at Drexel University

Thank you to our partners

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is proud to spearhead this invaluable initiative helping people across our region.

We serve as the coordinator and provide management and oversight in partnership with our partners, who provide one-on-one case management, financial education and asset-specific counseling for participants.

Special Acknowledgment:

A special thank you to Ira Lubert for his generous gift and endowment to the Lubert IDA program to continue opening doors to individuals and families now and in the future.

Lubert IDA Community Partners: