After participating in our Equal Earners, Savvy Spenders program, LaDaysha, age 11, understands how to spend money wisely. She said, “[In the program,] we learned all about money, and about the difference between needs and wants. ‘Needs’ are the things that you absolutely have to have if you want to survive—it’s things like food and clothes and a house to keep you safe. And ‘wants’ are things like really fancy, brand name clothes, or expensive sunglasses. We learned that it’s important to spend your money on the things that you need, not on the things that you want—you need to be smart about it because you only have so much.”

Support from Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is making it possible for more girls like LaDaysha to learn these important money management skills and take charge of their financial futures. The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is a local, private foundation that offers support to nonprofit organizations in greater Indianapolis. In November 2011, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation renewed its support for Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis with a $15,000 grant for our Economic Literacy programs in Marion County.

Our Economic Literacy programs engage girls ages 6-18 in fun, age-appropriate activities that improve their money management skills and encourage them to set educational and career goals for the future. The youngest girls practice skills such as using different coins and bills and writing checks, while older girls take on challenges such as creating a budget and learning about interest, credit, and loans. Equally important, girls make important connections between their education, careers, and self-sufficiency. They learn to differentiate between needs and wants and identify careers that can promote their future economic well-being.

Thank you to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation for helping us equip girls with the financial skills they need to achieve a bright future. We are grateful for your support!