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Dear John,
Eclipses, March Madness, and tax season have come and gone – and we're embracing the spirit of renewal and progress here at Prosperity Now. With a focus on fair housing and financial freedom this month, we forged ahead on our mission to pave the way for economic freedom for all families.
Last week, Prosperity Now joined housing experts at the Freddie Mac Affordable Housing Advisory Council meeting. Discussions revolved around addressing housing inventory needs, the government sponsored enterprise's (GSE) duty to serve, and engaging community development financial institutions (CDFIs), providing a prime opportunity to delve deeper into key issues impacting fair housing and economic freedom.
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At J.P. Morgan Chase’s Small Business Symposium, we explored insights from recent research on small businesses, which confirmed a troubling fact we’ve long known – that women and diverse founders often struggle to get the start-up funding they need to launch and grow their businesses. This lack of capital keeps them stuck in a cycle where they can't expand their businesses beyond a certain point. The bottom line: the economy is not working for female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color – and this is precisely what Prosperity Now is fighting to change. With a special focus on owner race and gender, we uncovered strategies to support entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where every small business can thrive.
At the Community Economic Development Grant Recipient Conference, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address, emphasizing our collective vision for a future where prosperity knows no bounds. It was inspiring to see us come together, committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive.
This vision is not just about individuals and their families but also uplifting our nation’s economy. And in a recent statement picked up by The Hill, I along with other advocates, reiterated how immigrant contributions are driving job growth across key sectors, highlighting the invaluable role of diversity in fueling economic progress.
John, your support and engagement are vital as we continue our journey toward economic freedom and equity for all. I’m eagerly anticipating our collective work to culminate at our upcoming Prosperity Summit in September, so be sure to mark your calendars for September 4 – 6, 2024.
Thank you for being a part of our mission and for championing a brighter, bolder future for every family.
Looking forward,
Marisa Calderon
President & CEO
Prosperity Now
This Fair Housing Month, We Demand Housing Justice
As we observe the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act in April, the dream of fair housing for all remains distant. Housing discrimination persists, exacerbating chronic disinvestment and financial barriers. With millions facing housing shortages and renters burdened by high costs, Ranking Member Maxine Waters has introduced a bold housing package to address these challenges. It's time to demand housing justice for all and urge representatives to support these bills.
CALENDAR HOLD ALERT:
September 4 – 6, 2024 for the 2024 Prosperity Summit
Get ready for the 2024 Prosperity Summit, your go-to event for advancing financial stability, wealth, and prosperity across the board. This gathering brings together a diverse array of professionals—from economic justice advocates to policymakers—to explore groundbreaking solutions for financial security and wealth-building. Whether you're passionate about homeownership, closing the racial wealth gap, or financial capability services, the Summit offers tailored insights and strategies to drive individuals and families toward prosperity. With a legacy of impactful gatherings, we're constantly innovating to build collective power toward economic justice. Stay tuned for registration details and learn how you can contribute to a future where economic security and prosperity are within reach for all!
Will you RISE to the Challenge? Igniting Economic Equity for Entrepreneurs of Color
Join us for the Rise Challenge, presented by Prosperity Now in partnership with Accenture and Avanade, aimed at revolutionizing economic equity for Black and Brown entrepreneurs. We're seeking innovative proposals to tackle the technology adoption challenges hindering Community Financial Development Institutions (CDFIs). If you have a game-changing idea to enhance CDFIs' efficiency and expand opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs, this is your chance to shine. With prizes up to $75,000, the deadline to submit is May 15, 2024. Don't miss the chance to make a difference and apply now!
Senators returned to Washington, D.C. last week and we need them to get to work for children and families. Join us in urging them to prioritize the fight against child poverty by passing the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC). By raising your voice and taking action, you can help lift almost half a million children out of poverty and provide vital financial assistance to struggling families. Contact your Senators today and let them know that children and families across the country are counting on their support!
Tax Day is Over But Our Fight for Tax Justice Continues
Join us in advocating for increased funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in fiscal year 2025! Prosperity Now and United Way Worldwide are teaming up to urge Congress to allocate $45 million for VITA, ensuring vital free tax preparation services for low-income individuals and families. In 2022, Congress responded to advocacy efforts by funding VITA at $40 million for fiscal year 2023. Let's keep this momentum going for tax justice for all —sign our petition by May 1 at 5 pm ET to show your organization's support for this crucial initiative. Read our letter and sign on now!
📅 Upcoming Events You Don't Want to Miss! 📅
[In-Person & Virtual] Oxfam and Prosperity Now Present: "Unseen Work, Unmet Needs" 📅 Date: April 25 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM EST
[Webinar] A Landmark Moment for the Movement: The State of the Children’s Savings Field 📅 Date: Friday, April 26 ⏰ Time: 1:00 PM EST
Join us for a captivating discussion on the state of Children's Savings Accounts (CSAs) with insights from our latest report. Explore trends, implications, and lessons learned from San Francisco's Kindergarten to College program—the nation's first universal CSA initiative. Don't miss this chance to dive into the evolving landscape of CSAs and their impact on families and communities nationwide!
[In-Person & Virtual] Small Businesses Matter: A Bipartisan Agenda for 2024 and Beyond 📅 Date: Thursday, May 2 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Get ready for an enlightening discussion on shaping bipartisan small business policies! Happening during National Small Business Week, we invite you to join our own president & CEO along with other impressive panelists to establish a comprehensive agenda for small businesses in 2024 and beyond. With a focus on innovations in small business lending, procurement, and growth, this event will spotlight policies poised to gain bipartisan support in an election year. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in critical conversations about the future of small businesses!
[Webinar] Understanding the Small Business Acquisition Landscape 📅 Date: May 2 ⏰ Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Delve into the evolving dynamics of the small business acquisition landscape, focusing on trends, challenges, and opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Gain valuable insights from the latest research findings and discover how these insights can shape business ownership and wealth creation.
