Portland, OR — FinAbility, a nonprofit dedicated to financially empowering survivors of domestic abuse, is thrilled to announce a transformative $500,000 grant from an anonymous family foundation. This significant gift will establish an endowment to fund FinAbility’s groundbreaking Savings Matching Program, which will provide between $25,000 and $50,000 annually in direct cash assistance to survivors in Oregon. Designed to provide crucial financial support to those at high risk of returning to their abusers due to financial instability, the program aims to be a lifeline for survivors seeking to build a life free from violence.
"Imagine trying to leave an abusive relationship with less than $250 to your name," says Stacy Sawin, Founder and Executive Director of FinAbility. "For hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, this is a devastating reality due to the financial abuse that occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. Financial insecurity is a primary reason why survivors of domestic violence remain in or return to abusive relationships. Our new Savings Matching Program aims to accelerate survivors’ journey to self-sufficiency and autonomy, enabling them to build a life free from violence."
About the Savings Matching Program
The Savings Matching Program will assist 85 to 170 survivors annually in building $540 in emergency savings. Participants will also receive one-on-one financial mentorship, equipping them with wealth-building skills to continue growing their emergency fund and financial stability.
"Providing survivors with unrestricted funds is crucial for their immediate safety and long-term independence," explains Stacy Sawin. "We’re excited to offer a low-barrier financial lifeline to survivors through our Savings Matching Program.”
FinAbility’s Commitment to Survivors
Since its founding 3.5 years ago, FinAbility has empowered over 30,000 survivors with life-saving financial information and support. Through programs such as a digital Financial Toolkit, virtual finance classes, and survivor-led webinars, FinAbility has significantly increased survivors' financial confidence and autonomy. The Savings Matching Program is the latest addition to FinAbility’s suite of services, furthering their mission to create a safe, violence-free future for survivors and their families.
"Our goal is to reduce the number of attempts it takes for a survivor to leave an abusive relationship from seven to one," says Stacy Sawin. "This grant brings us closer to making that goal a reality, and we’re excited about the profound impact this program will have in our community."
For more information about FinAbility and its programs, please visit www.finabilityus.org or contact [email protected].
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