The US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation is giving US$1.12 million in grants to 14 libraries to improve investor education.
The grants help fund an ongoing program to deliver investor education through public libraries. Now in its sixth year, the program has awarded a total of US$7 million to public libraries and library networks. It funds library efforts to provide patrons with effective, unbiased educational resources about personal finance and investing.
The new grant recipients will use the funds to implement a variety of programs designed to increase patrons’ access to and understanding of financial information. The grants target a diverse group of library patrons, including youth, seniors, military families, college students, rural residents and low-income families. Participating libraries will use a variety of technologies and outreach strategies to connect library users to the best financial education and information available.
The libraries will also partner with schools, universities, community colleges, various nonprofit organizations and local governments to expand the impact of the services and resources the grants enable.
“The libraries participating in this grant program make reliable financial information and education readily accessible in their communities,” said Gerri Walsh, president of the FINRA Foundation. “They are paying close attention to their communities’ needs and aspirations, and are responding in creative, sustainable ways to help residents achieve financial goals for themselves and their families.”