FEC Academy is a planning opportunity for local governments interested in launching a local Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). Through a combination of technical assistance, planning resources, trainings, and peer learning opportunities, the CFE Fund supports selected cities and counties in bringing the FEC model of integrated, professional, one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service to their communities. 

Selected FEC Academy partners participate in a structured 15-month planning process designed to help local governments understand the FEC model, build local partnerships, secure funding, and prepare for successful program implementation. Participating localities receive individualized technical assistance from CFE Fund staff, access to planning tools and resources, and opportunities to engage with peer local governments working to launch FECs. 

FECs have already helped more than 211,000 people reduce their debt by over $370 million and build more than $77 million in savings. More than 35 cities and counties currently offer FEC counseling, with additional localities actively planning to launch programs of their own. 

FEC Academy Eligibility & Application Process

Representatives from city or county governments serving populations of more than 50,000 residents are eligible to apply to participate in FEC Academy. The CFE Fund reviews applications through a competitive selection process, considering factors including local readiness, staff capacity, leadership buy-in, and alignment with the FEC model. We are unable to accept applications from non-municipal entities. 

Local governments interested in FEC Academy are encouraged to join the CFE Fund’s mailing list to stay informed about future webinars and application cycles or contact Zach Etzin ([email protected]) for more information. 

Apply to Join FEC Academy

Selected FEC Academy partners receive: 

  • A $20,000 planning grant to support local planning activities. 
  • Individualized technical assistance from CFE Fund staff throughout the planning process. 
  • Access to the FEC Planning Platform, an online hub of planning tools and resources including budget templates, fundraising guidance, program design resources, contract templates, and marketing materials. 
  • Trainings and learning opportunities focused on the FEC model and best practices for program implementation. 
  • An in-person site visit from CFE Fund staff to support stakeholder engagement and local planning efforts. 
  • Opportunities to connect and learn from peer local governments planning or operating FECs. 

 

Partners that successfully complete the planning process become eligible to apply for a two-year implementation grant of $250,000 to support the launch and implementation of a local Financial Empowerment Center program.