Central Iowans have sufficient income and opportunities to build wealth.


Economic Opportunity is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about making a living wage and having additional income to build wealth, saving for assets that break the cycle of poverty for generations to come.

 

Key Indicators of Economic Opportunity

Self-Sufficiency

  • Percent of central Iowans with annual household Incomes of 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or higher
  • Percent of central Iowans with annual household incomes of 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or higher
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowans with annual household Incomes of 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or higher by race

Asset Building

  • Percent of central Iowan households with zero net worth
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowan households with zero net worth by race

Education, Training, and Skill Level

  • Percent of central Iowans without a high school diploma
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowans without a high school diploma by race; income level
  • Percent of central Iowa students/employees who complete workforce training and certifications programs
  • Percent of central Iowans (25+) with some college or higher
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowans (25+) with some college or higher by race; income level

The diverse populations listed above are examples where inequities/disparities/gaps have been identified within our community, and data is available at either the state or county level. United Way of Central Iowa recognizes inequities/disparities/gaps exist in multiple areas for many people in our community. If inequities/disparities/gaps can be demonstrated by our funded partners for additional populations, that data will be considered as well.

 Strategies

  • EO1: Provide access to skills and supports leading to jobs that provide income needed to be self-sufficient with the opportunity to build wealth
  • EO2: Provide access to adult basic education, post-secondary education, training, and supports required for quality jobs
  • EO3: Provide individuals access to financial services and supports to manage their money, save for assets, and purchase/invest in assets - including developing, financing and sustaining small business. (Financial services and supports help individuals plan for, manage and invest their income and other assets to maximize the power of their money and grow their net assets. Services and supports may include financial products such as loans, lines of credit, checking and savings accounts, Certificates of Deposit, and 529 college savings accounts; as well as coaching and fiduciary advice.)
  • EO4: Maximize use of the tax code to boost income through appropriate filing status and use of tax credits and deductions
  • Advocacy: Policies and practices are implemented to improve Economic Opportunity systems and provide equitable access to central Iowans

Strategies and Examples of Performance Measures:

The Performance Measures (PM) below are potential measures of program outcomes. Programs may report Performance Measures on any targeted populations they serve, based on:

  • Race/ethnicity
  • Gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Income level
  • Ability status
  • English Language Learners
  • Refugee status
  • Criminal background

EO1: Provide access to skills leading to jobs that provide income needed to be self-sufficient with the opportunity to build wealth

  • PM: Number of people served
  • PM: Number/percent of people who became work ready in this program
  • PM: Number/percent of people who became employed in a quality job (quality job is defined at earning $15.00/hr. or more) in this program

EO2: Provide access to post-secondary education, training, and supports required for quality jobs (quality job is defined at earning $15.00/hr. or more)

  • PM: Number of people served
  • PM: Number/percent of people who access post-secondary education, training, and supports to prepare for quality job
  • PM: Number/percent of people who attained a post-secondary credential (certificate, diploma, degree, etc)
  • PM: Number/percent of people who became employed in a quality job (quality job is defined at earning $15.00/hr. or more) in this program

EO3: Provide individuals access to financial services and supports to manage their money, save for assets, and purchase/invest in assets - including developing, financing and sustaining small business.

  • PM: Number of people served
  • PM: Number of people who are banked
  • PM: Number of new businesses incorporated
  • PM: Number/percent of people who accessed financial services and supports to save for assets or grow their money through interest and/or investments
  • PM: Number/percent of people who accessed financial coaching and/or fiduciary advice save for assets or grow their money through interest and/or investments
  • PM: Number/percent of people who accessed financial services and supports to finance a small business
  • PM: Number/percent of people who accessed financial coaching and/or fiduciary advice to grow or sustain their small business

EO4: Maximize use of the tax code to boost income through appropriate filing status and use of tax credits and deductions

  • Number of clients who file their income taxes through a VITA site
  • Total amount claimed for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Total amount claimed for Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Average return per client
  • Average adjusted gross (household) income of clients who file their taxes through VITA
  • Total amount of state and federal refund