Nonprofits, Banks Invited To FLLIP Over Lunch Feb. 1, 2

Two events are planned in February to inform nonprofit organizations and financial institutions about financial education funding and partnership opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations interested in offering financial education classes for low-income adults in southern Illinois are invited to attend a free bidders' conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 at the University of Illinois Extension Marion County Office, 1404 E. Main, Route 50 East in Salem, Ill. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

A request for proposals will be issued at the conference. Up to five nonprofit organizations in southern Illinois will receive approximately $8,000 to $10,000 per site. Only organizations that attend the conference will be eligible to apply for the grants.

Participants will learn about the Financial Links for Low-Income People (FLLIP) coalition's Financial Education Program (FEP), how to write a strong proposal to receive FLLIP FEP funding, and how to form partnerships to teach financial education to low-income adults.

Union Planters Bank will host a related luncheon for banks and credit unions interested in learning about the FLLIP FEP from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 2 in Marion, Ill. Luncheon participants will learn how to develop knowledgeable customers and new business by supporting free financial education classes for low-income adults.

The bidders' conference and luncheon are sponsored by the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. The Shriver Center's community investment unit coordinates FLLIP, a statewide coalition of advocates dedicated to expanding financial education, asset-building opportunities and access to mainstream financial services in Illinois. The Grand Victoria Foundation and Illinois Department of Human Services provide major funding for FEP. The Shriver Center is recruiting at least 12 nonprofits and financial institution partners throughout Illinois to offer these classes.

Anyone interested in attending either event should contact Yuri Gottesman at yurigottesman@povertylaw.org or (312) 368-1033.

For more information about the Shriver Center and its community investment unit, visit the center's web site at povertylaw.org.