The latest updates for our Prosperity Now Community.

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Dear John,

This month, we are happily welcoming spring and gearing up for warmer weather here in the D.C. region. March also marks Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. At Prosperity Now, we recognize that an economy that works for all means an economy that works for ALL women, and we know that our fight for justice must include ensuring economic justice for all women who face systemic racism and misogyny, especially women of color, trans and queer women. To that end, we are excited to open our request for proposals for our new pilot, Strengthening Black Female Retail Entrepreneurship [[link removed]]. Read on for more on how to get involved.

You may have already heard, but later this year I will be stepping down as President and CEO at Prosperity Now [[link removed]] after four years of proud service to this great organization.

I am grateful to the board of directors, the staff of Prosperity Now, and our partners and funders. I am immensely proud of what we achieved together. Our advocacy, project and programs have helped bring about some monumental outcomes and partnerships, not least of all, shifting the organization’s focus to a full-throated advocacy for racial and ethnic economic justice. I will leave knowing that the work we started will continue and be in good hands.

I encourage everyone involved in this vital work to continue leading with high spirits, love, compassion, integrity, humility, and always, with hard work. These are the only ways we can build an economy where every person, family, and community have the power to build sustainable wealth and prosperity.

In Solidarity,

Gary Cunningham

President & CEO

Prosperity Now

Moving the Needle on Racial Equity with CFDI Leaders of Color

The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs [[link removed]] is a thought leader organization that focuses on advancing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) of Color and Black and Brown community economic development across the United States. The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs is comprised of 75 full-time member organizations and 14 associate members, representing 35 states. These organizations are leading the fight for racial wealth equity and financial inclusion.

This month, we had the privilege of interviewing Lenwood V. Long Sr., the President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

READ MORE [[link removed]] Policy at Prosperity Now: A Conversation with Alejandra Montoya-Boyer

Alejandra Montoya-Boyer is Prosperity Now’s Director of Policy, leading the development and implementation of federal, state, and local policies that advance economic opportunity and financial security for BIPOC low-income families and communities. Alejandra has a diverse work background in policy, advocacy, campaigning, grassroots organizing and program management. As one of the many women in leadership at our organization, we’re excited to lift up Alejandra’s work during Women's History Month. Alejandra’s work history and background give her a unique and detailed perspective when creating, implementing and advocating for policies at Prosperity Now. This year, Alejandra worked with her Policy team and Prosperity Now’s Network Policy Advisory Committees to create Prosperity Now'’s 2023 Policy Priorities. [[link removed]]

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE [[link removed]] Support Low-income Tax Filers: Sign on to support VITA Funding at $45M

Prosperity Now and United Way Worldwide are partnering once again to push for increased funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in fiscal year 2024. Every year, VITA relies on federal funding from Congress to provide free tax prep services for low-income filers. Last year, in response to advocates like you from across the country, Congress passed a spending bill that funded VITA at $40 million for fiscal year 2023. We've drafted a petition asking Members of Congress to fund VITA at $45 million for FY24 and invite your organization to sign on and show your support [[link removed]]!

NEW: Check out the latest updates to the Black Wealth Data Center

The Black Wealth Data Center [[link removed]] now includes more datasets and new features such as the ability to download data, save searches, and read blog posts. Learn more on how the BWDC has incorporated user feedback to create a more personalized and intuitive user experience. Check out their latest blog on their new updates. [[link removed]]

Calling All CDFIs: Apply for Our New Pilot, Strengthening Black Female Retail Entrepreneurship

With support from the Walmart Foundation, Prosperity Now will be accepting proposals from April 1-30, open to CDFIs and Entrepreneurial Support Organizations that currently work with Black women entrepreneurs. The objective of this pilot is to participate in a design lab to understand testable strategies for facilitating mergers and acquisitions in the retail space for Black women entrepreneurs, and strategies to support sustainability and scalability for the targeted population. Participants will receive a $50,000 stipend and technical assistance to participate in the design lab and pilot phase of this project. Here is more information, including instructions on how to apply [[link removed]].

APPLY TODAY! [[link removed]] Prosperity Now State Spotlight: Michigan

This past year, voters turned out across states to advance racial, economic, and social justice through championing policy issues such as livable wages and limitations to charging on medical debt as well as championing policymakers that are pushing to make our economy work for everyone, ultimately leading to four new state trifectas in Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. These wins have advanced the way that everyday people consider the role of states; and ultimately advanced the way that states will operate within the political landscape moving forward. Lauren Bealore and Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony kick off our new State Spotlight series highlighting the amazing work taking place in Michigan.

READ MORE [[link removed]] What's New from Prosperity Now and the Field

Policies for Prosperity: Driving BIPOC Economic Well-Being Forward at the State and Local Level [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now

This blog from Prosperity Now highlights how state legislatures have a pivotal role in developing state and local policies [[link removed]] that create systemic change and combat structural inequity.

Pathways to Equity at Scale: A Synthesis of the 2022 Federal Equity Action Plans and Recommendations for 2023 Plans [[link removed]] | Urban Institute

This brief [[link removed]] from the Urban Institute analyzes the success of the Biden-Harris administration racial equity executive orders and what is needed moving forward.

Let’s Celebrate 30 Years of FMLA With Paid Leave for All [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now

To celebrate the Family and Medical Leave Act, [[link removed]] we need a comprehensive and uniform federal paid leave model that covers all workers.

President Biden’s 2024 Budget Moves Us Toward Nation Where Everyone Can Thrive [[link removed]] | Center on Budget & Policy Priorities (CBPP)

According to CBPP, “President Biden’s 2024 budget invests in people and communities and creates a 21st century tax system that supports these investments to build toward an economy that works for everyone.”

Why Latino Entrepreneurs Are Growing Rapidly—And How They Can Grow Even Faster [[link removed]] | Forbes

The State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) revealed that Latinos are leading the charge in business creation and growth.

Are You Joining Us?

Virtual & In-Person Summit: The 7th Annual Financial Education Summit [[link removed]] | CASH Campaign of Maryland | April 4-5, 2023

Webinar: Children’s Savings Accounts: State of the Field Event [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now | Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Webinar: High Stakes: Why We Must Address Youth Financial Security Now [[link removed]] | Asset Funders Network | April 25, 2023

ICYMI

Webinar Recording: Driving Change at the Local Level: A Fireside Chat with Data Driven Detroit [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now | Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Webinar Recording: Racial Equity in Entrepreneurship: Systemic Solutions to America’s Racial Wealth Gap [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now | Thursday, February 28, 2023

Webinar Recording: Childcare Entrepreneurship: A Path to Economic Mobility [[link removed]] | Prosperity Now | Tuesday, February 23, 2023

The Pulse on Prosperity Now

The Hill: Both parties agreed to protect anti-poverty programs — time to support ‘Baby Bonds’ [[link removed]], Gary Cunningham, President & CEO

Yahoo! Finance: Biden revives hopes for this poverty-fighting tax break [[link removed]], Joanna Ain, Associate Director of Policy

Yahoo! Finance: IRS tax audits ‘target and burden lower-income families,’ say tax experts [[link removed]], Joanna Ain, Associate Director of Policy

Yahoo! Finance: Tax refunds still 11% smaller than last year with a month left in the filing season [[link removed]], Joanna Ain, Associate Director of Policy

Senator Ben Cardin: Cardin Reintroduces Legislation to Empower Returning Citizens to Start Businesses [[link removed]], Prosperity Now

Senator Ben Cardin: Cardin, Young Introduce Tax Credit to Encourage Revitalization of Distressed Homes Nationwide by Filling the Cost Gap [[link removed]], Prosperity Now

Office of State Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg: Massachusetts Baby Bonds Legislative Briefing [[link removed]], Shira Markoff, Policy Fellow

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