Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) is a 30-month program that helps working Minnesotans with low incomes increase their savings, build assets and enter the financial mainstream.

By matching a participant's savings as well as providing financial literacy education, asset-specific training and ongoing financial coaching, families are supported and encouraged to acquire assets and increase their financial capability and economic security, in order to leave poverty permanently.

Those enrolled in FAIM receive a program match at a rate of $3 to every dollar of earned income deposited into their Individual Development Account (IDA) within 2 years, up to a maximum of $2,000 per household. Account holders may be eligible for a matched payout and their savings of up to $8,000 toward their chosen asset upon successful completion of program requirements.

Savings and matches may be used for one of four asset goals in Minnesota: First-time home purchase, post-secondary education, purchase of a personal vehicle or a small business start-up or expansion.

Participants are required to complete a minimum enrollment period, financial education classes/coaching, as well as asset-specific training and requirements before requesting payout toward obtaining their chosen asset. FAIM payment is made to a third-party vendor, not the participant.

• Area Served by County
  • Douglas County 
  • Grant County 
  • Pope County 
  • Stevens County 
  • Traverse County 
• Organization Type
  • Community Action Partnership 
• Payment
  • Free / no cost to eligible clients 
• Specialization
  • Family 
  • People with low income 

* Be at least 18 years of age
* Have earned income at the time of enrollment
* Be a resident of Minnesota while enrolled/participating in FAIM
* Be a United States citizen, or eligible non-citizen
* Household annual gross incomes must fall below 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines
* Household net assets must be $10,000 or less
* Account holder savings must come from the participant's earned income (wages/employment)
* Ability to purchase the asset within a maximum of 30 months

Contact a local participating agency to be screened for eligibility and to request an application. Need proof of employment income and current address, and valid MN driver's license/ID card to enroll.

For additional information on the FAIM Program contact (218) 685-4486 or toll-free (800) 492-4805 and ask for FAIM.

There is no fee for this service.

Services are primarily focused on Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, and Stevens counties.

Individual programs may serve counties outside this area.

https://minnesotafaim.org

https://wcmca.org

9/27/2024