It’s difficult to plan for a bright future when you’re always stuck trying to survive the day-to-day. This is the problem facing thousands of families in our region, making it difficult to rise above challenges and realize a better tomorrow.
Match Savings Program
With United Way’s Match Savings Program, an individual’s or family’s deposits are matched by donations from our community partners. That way people in need can pay for their immediate expenses while building toward their long-term goals like homeownership, education, or even opening a small business.
By giving to United Way, you’ll provide the foundation families need to start building their own wealth.
EMERGENCY SAVINGS MATCH PILOT PROGRAM
Nearly 40% of American adults say they would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense, according to the Federal Reserve. An emergency like that can force families to borrow money, fall deeper into debt, or delay paying for basic needs.
To help more families build financial stability, United Way, with the support of generous donors, launched the Emergency Savings Match Pilot Program. The program offered participants a 4:1 savings match – for every $1 saved, participants received $4 in matching funds, up to $800 total. This match provided a crucial financial cushion to help families weather emergencies and stay on track toward long-term goals.
The three-year pilot, which concluded on September 30, 2025, was implemented in partnership with Clarifi, Open Hearth, and Parkside Business & Community in Partnership.
We are deeply grateful to the generous supporters who made this pilot possible: Citizens Bank, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
A full report on the program’s outcomes and impact will be shared soon.
Homeownership
When it comes to building wealth and economic mobility, there’s no place like a home. Homeownership is a transformative way for families to build their wealth, and leave poverty in the past.
The Lubert IDA Homeownership Program helps individuals and families purchase their first home through a 2:1 savings match. So if they save $2,000, we match $4,000.
“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
Whether they’re creating jobs or providing essential goods and services, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. To help them grow and prosper, we’ve partnered with The Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania.
Through our Lubert IDA Small Business Ownership Program, entrepreneurs can receive a 2:1 match. So when they save $1,500, we match $3,000.
Post-Secondary Education
Education opens doors and creates opportunities. The Lubert IDA Post-Secondary Education Program provides a powerful incentive for individuals by matching their savings for education 3:1. So when they save $1,000, we match $3,000.
And signs show it’s working – participants in the program complete post-secondary education programs at a higher rate than their peers.
“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.
We’re proud to spearhead this invaluable initiative helping people across our region. But we’re not doing it alone.
As coordinators, we provide management and oversight alongside our many partners who provide one-on-one case management, financial education, and asset-specific counseling for those in need.
Special Acknowledgment
We would like to give special thanks to Ira Lubert for his generous endowment to the Lubert IDA program, whose support will continue opening new doors for families in need, well in the future.
Lubert IDA Community Partners:
- Achievability
- Bridges to Wealth
- LAEDA
- Open Hearth
- WORC
- Media Fellowship House
Emergency Savings Community Partners:
- Clarifi (Philadelphia)
- Open Hearth (Montgomery/Chester County)
- Parkside Business and Community in Partnership (Camden)