Cash+Community Works Pilot Program Findings
Consisting of an online survey and one-on-one interviews, the post-pilot research study indicates that the program was effective in many of its primary goals and reveals promising trends that support the potential for future long-term sustainable impacts.
Participants report feeling more confident and secure with their financial situations, in addition to their household food security; increased emotional well-being and improved sense of agency, which includes confidence, self-esteem, and motivation; and the development of strong interpersonal bonds with the members of their cohorts, leading to the continued development of peer and business net-works, reciprocal social support, and active community involvement and betterment. These results appear to have been maintained since the conclusion of program treatment, and participants shared optimistic attitudes for these pivotal changes lasting well into the future.
Major Findings
Important markers for future success were realized, and participants, on the whole, reported feeling more positive about their financial situation, future food security, emotional and mental well-being, and relationships with other cohort members.
Empowering Economic Improvements
Money and Finances
97% of survey respondents said that the program had a positive impact on their money and finances
Ease Financial Stress
95% of interviewees stated that the stipends helped to ease immediate household financial stress
New or Expanded Business
37 survey respondents said they either started a new business or expanded an existing one, of which 76% are still open and operating
Collaboration and Brainstorming
7 interviewees referenced the cohort brainstorming new business ideas together and helping each other with business creation and expansion
"Because I’m a full-time mom, sometimes I worry about our expenses because I have no income. But my son goes to daycare, I need to pay...and the price goes up, up, up. But because of Cash+Community, I have a career. I have passive income...I feel secure."
- Nancy
Improvements in Household Food Security
Less Worried Food Will Run Out
2/3 survey respondents reported they are now less worried that food will run out
before they get money to buy more
Food Security
84% of the interviewees stated that the program had a positive impact on their food security
Pay for Groceries
14 interviewees used the monthly stipends to help pay for groceries
Healthier Eating Habits
Over half of all respondents shared that they either learned about options for healthier eating or were better able to purchase healthier food choices for more nutritious and balanced meals
“Making sure if my kids needed something to eat while they're around me, they can eat…. A good feeling to be able to say, OK, I don't have much, but I could go to Family Dollar and pick you up a box of cereal.”
- Lisa
Strengthening Well-Being and Improving Agency
Improved Well-Being
13 interviewees spoke about how the program had a positive impact on their emotional, mental, and overall well-being
Financial Security
4 interviewees talked about how having extra money made them feel more secure and helped to alleviate stress and financial anxiety
Improved Self-Esteem
95% of survey respondents and 6 interviewees shared that their self-esteem improved
Empowerment and Breaking Gender Norms
5 interviewees discussed how feeling empowered lead to them breaking stereotypical gender norms, including being able to contribute to their household income and not relying on their husbands
"By meeting the other women...I became more open and confident. I was going through a lot of stress...I wasn’t doing well emotionally. Then, joining the program helped me a lot. It raised my self-esteem, helped me learn more, and see life differently."
- Catherine
Build Social Connections and Community
New Sense of Belonging
15 interviewees shared that they developed a new sense of belonging, both to their
cohort and their community
More Time with Loved Ones
83% of survey respondents reported that they now spend more time with their family
and loved ones
Increased Family Well-Being
7 interviewees reported improvement in their family’s overall well-being
Positive Impact on Communities
16 interviewees spoke about the positive impact they felt their project and cohort were able to provide to their community
“Being around other women who wanted to succeed, who had dreams and kids, and the same problems, it was beautiful. Even just meeting on Zoom or in person made us happy. It gave us a break from our routines and reduced stress.”
- Rosa
Individual Impact
Empowerment and Growth
Business Creation
Build New Skills
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Financial Stability
Well-Bring
Layers of Impact
Community Impact
Involved and Connected
Community Events
Sharing Community Resources
Free or Discounted Goods and Services
Volunteering
Addressing Community Needs
Interpersonal Impact
Quality Time
Sharing Resources
Strong Connections
Emotional Support
Social Connections
What Our Participants
Have Been Saying:
“The help I received from Cash + Community really helped me
financially to pay bills. My sister and I also used the money to help some people back home in our country, especially children who need shoes, school supplies like notebooks, books. Thanks to this program, that was possible.”
- Adriana
“When I started with you, I was just beginning. I didn’t know many people. Those in the group were the ones who helped me move forward and become known. They believed in me byplacing orders. They ordered from me, told others about me, liked my products, and recommended me to more people.”
– Beatriz
“Many women need this kind of help to feel empowered and to move
forward in life. This program helps with confidence, communication, and emotional well-being…. Women can do anything. There are women in construction, police, medicine, firefighting. Why not future women presidents? Programs like this help us believe that’s possible.”
– Ana
Overwhelmingly, participants expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the Cash+Community Works program.
Although not directly asked about their feelings toward the program, 14 interview participants voluntarily shared statements of gratitude, reflecting the importance the program held for them. Notably, no participants reported dissatisfaction with the program. The program also had the added value of impacting not only the individuals in the program but also their families, peer networks, and their surrounding community.
“Thank you, you’ve helped me a lot, financially and emotionally. It’s like a blessing, and I’ll always be grateful for participating. I’ll always be thankful for this opportunity.”
- Adriana