The Family Independence Initiative is a left-of-center organization that seeks to address failures in the government entitlement system by creating and advocating for the expansion of an alternative system in which low-income families are provided with direct cash payments in addition to traditional forms of aid, such as housing and food stamps. 1 The organization does not, however, advocate for the government to overhaul its indirect entitlement spending and seeks both private and public funding for its programs. 2
Finances
In 2018, the Family Independence Initiative received $7,052,492 in contributions, and $7,398,317 in total revenue through program service and investment income. 3 In 2018, the Family Independence Initiative reported $7,683,381 in net assets. 4
In 2018, the Family Independence Initiative received contributions from a number of left-of-center foundations. These include $223,715 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,5 $55,500 from the Mayer-Phillips Foundation,6 $50,094 from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation,7 $37,950 from Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund,8 $25,300 from the Schwab Charitable Fund,9 $25,000 from the WLS Spencer Foundation,10 $17,500 from the Boston Foundation,11 $15,000 from the Charles E & Caroline J Adams Trust. 12
Cash for Families
The Family Independence Initiative claims that the current welfare system is based on a false principle that impoverished families cannot manage money, lack initiative, and are not willing to help one another. 13 The Family Independence Initiative argues that the current welfare system makes poverty tolerable but fails to raise people out of poverty and allow them to find work. 14
Use of Public Resources
While the Family Independence Initiative receives private funding, the organization also solicits and receives funding from the government. 15 In 2020, the Family Independence Initiative received $2 million from the City of Austin Equity Office to distribute direct financial aid to low-income families. 16
Leadership
Jesus Gerena is the CEO of the Family Independence Initiative. Prior to joining the Family Independence Initiative, Gerena worked for the Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF), an Boston organization that seeks to keep children of color, and particularly Latino children, between grades 8-12 off the streets. 17 While at HSTF, Gerenea worked on establishing a $250 million urban development project in Boston. 18
References
- “About” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/about/
- “About” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/about/
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part I, Lines 8-12.
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part I, Line 22.
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part XV.
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part XV.
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Schedule I. Part II(a) (908).
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Schedule I. Part II(a) (4263).
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Schedule I. Part II(a) (8074).
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part XV.
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Schedule I. Part II(a) (690-691).
- “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” Guidestar.org. Accessed November 22, 2020. Part XV.
- “The war on poverty has made poverty tolerable but has not made it escapable.” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/approach/challenge/
- “The war on poverty has made poverty tolerable but has not made it escapable.” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/approach/challenge/
- “Family Independence Initiative Helping Provide Direct Financial Support in Travis County, Texas for COVID-19 Relief” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/family-independence-initiative-helping-provide-direct-financial-support-in-travis-county-texas-for-covid-19-relief/
- “Jesús Gerena” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/team/jesus-gerena/
- “Jesús Gerena” Family Independence Initiative. https://www.fii.org/team/jesus-gerena/