Location: 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
Email: info@ncnw.org
Phone: 202-737-0120
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Resources for Investment, Savings, and Economic Empowerment (RISE)

NCNW

Resources for Investment, Savings, and Economic Empowerment (RISE), the new NCNW financial literacy program!

RISE addresses historical and systemic challenges that have created persistent financial education disparities in the African American community. The NCNW RISE program:

  • Acknowledges historical context and builds trust
  • Creates safe spaces for learning and discussion
  • Provides relevant, practical financial education
  • Builds confidence in navigating financial institutions
  • Supports sustainable wealth-building strategies.

 

Why Does This Program Matter?


RISE matters because NCNW is dedicated to closing the wealth gap among African American women.  To do this, we must empower American women and their families to achieve financial security and well-being through comprehensive financial literacy education. With this program, it is our mission to deliver engaging and accessible financial literacy education that equips members with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively, build wealth, and achieve their financial goals.

The NCNW approach to this is to:

  • Provide Education for Transformation: Targeted financial education addressing specific needs of NCNW members
  • Be Community-Centered: Building on community strengths through knowledge sharing and mutual support
  • Supply Practical Application: Hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and guided implementation of financial strategies.
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Who We Serve

The RISE program provides tailored financial education to meet NCNW members at every life stage:

Collegiates (18-22)
  • Key Needs: Building credit, managing student loans, creating first budgets
  • Program Focus: Financial independence foundations, student debt strategies, entry-level investment options
  • Specialized Content: Campus budgeting tools, scholarship/grant management, internship financial planning
  • Long-term Goal: Establishing positive financial habits early to maximize lifetime wealth potential
Young Adults (23-35)
  • Key Needs: Career financial planning, debt management, homebuying preparation
  • Program Focus: Balancing competing financial priorities, family financial planning, retirement account setup
  • Specialized Content: First-time homebuyer guidance, debt consolidation strategies, insurance literacy
  • Long-term Goal: Building financial security during peak earning potential years
Adults (36-55)
  • Key Needs: Wealth accumulation, education funding for children, retirement planning
  • Program Focus: Investment diversification, tax-efficient strategies, estate planning basics
  • Specialized Content: College funding options, investment property analysis, career transition financial planning
  • Long-term Goal: Accelerating wealth building while preparing for future life transitions
Seniors (56+)
  • Key Needs: Retirement income management, healthcare planning, legacy creation
  • Program Focus: Wealth preservation, estate planning, generational wealth transfer
  • Specialized Content: Social Security optimization, Medicare navigation, sustainable withdrawal strategies
  • Long-term Goal: Ensuring financial security through retirement while creating lasting family legacies

WHEN & HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

RISE will start with our RISE Financial Mastery Cohort Program for three to five NCNW Sections.  The Structured 6-week program is limited in cohort size for personalized attention and includes pre- and post-program assessments and Accountability partners and group support. The comprehensive curriculum is made up of Sequential modules building financial knowledge with accompanying weekly assignments and action steps to support Implementation support for your financial goals.  To further enhance support, there are group coaching sessions that allow for progress tracking/follow-up, to ultimately celebrate your section’s milestones and success.
 

HOW CAN OUR SECTION APPLY?

 
The application process is simple, click here to complete it.  Remember, space is limited!
Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
Program Start: September 10, 2025
If your section is not chosen to participate in the first cohort, make plans to participate in the Monthly Webinar Series starting September 2025.  Attend our 30-minute virtual sessions (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A) covering topics on budgeting, credit building, investments, homeownership, and retirement planning.

Join us in this opportunity to build financial security, create generational wealth, and empower our communities. Together, we RISE! For additional questions contact,

Afia Williams, NCNW Senior Program Manager, programs@ncnw.com.