Hear from those weʼve helped and discover the impact of the B.A.C.K. Initiative on real lives in our community.
"Stability and Confidence for My Family"
"The B.A.C.K. Initiative changed my life. The support helped me find stability and confidence for my family’s future!"
- Maria T.
"Saving for My Dreams"
"Thanks to the B.A.C.K. Initiative, I learned to manage my money better and save for my dreams. It’s life-changing!"
- James R.
"A Better Future for Boron"
"I’ve lived in Boron my whole life and was worried about our future. The B.A.C.K. Initiative is the boost our town needed. It’s inspiring to see businesses growing and families succeeding."
- Sandra L.
How Can You Make an Impact?
For more information, please contact us at 1-760-920-1379 or email us at [email protected]. For inquiries, please visit us at https://fund-nation.org/back-program-inquiries.
The BACK Program, short for Boron Anchor for Community Knowledge, is an initiative aimed at revitalizing the Boron community through economic and educational support. It combines Universal Basic Income (UBI) with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to tackle economic instability and foster long-term community investment.
Eligibility is open to residents of Boron, CA, and the surrounding unincorporated East Kern County area. Participants must complete the SBA and/or CFPB financial literacy program to qualify for the program’s lottery entry.
Participants must:
- Complete a financial literacy program through the SBA and/or CFPB.
- Commit to automatic monthly savings of at least $100, with the option to save up to $500. These savings are matched through the program and must be reinvested into the community.
Savings can only be used for three purposes:
1. Purchasing a home or making a down payment on a home in Boron.
2. Starting a small business in Boron.
3. Pursuing further education.
Eligible participants who complete the financial literacy program are entered into a lottery system. Selected participants receive program benefits, including matched savings and UBI, to support their reinvestment in the community.
The UBI provides a monthly stipend to selected participants to help alleviate financial instability. This stipend is intended to cover essential needs and support participants in building a stronger financial foundation.
IDAs are matched savings accounts designed to help participants achieve specific financial goals. The BACK Program matches participant savings dollar-for-dollar, enabling them to build assets that benefit themselves and the Boron community.
The BACK Program aims to:
- Stabilize the local economy by encouraging homeownership and small business growth.
- Retain longtime residents by making the community more affordable.
- Promote education and skill development to enhance economic mobility.
The program is funded through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with organizations such as the SBA, CFPB, and other community-focused entities. We continue to seek additional funding to expand and sustain the program.
No. Matched savings must be used for one of the three designated purposes: homeownership, starting a small business in Boron, or furthering education.
The program runs in cycles, with new participants selected every three months. Each participant is required to actively participate in the program for their designated cycle, with continued engagement opportunities for alumni.
Participants receive:
- Financial literacy training.
- Access to mentorship and resources for small business development or homeownership.
- Guidance on educational opportunities.
The ultimate goal is to empower residents of Boron to achieve economic stability, invest in their community, and contribute to the town’s long-term growth and revitalization.
Applications are available on our website and at local community centers in Boron. Stay updated on application deadlines and program news by visiting our website or contacting our office.
The program evaluates success through:
- Economic indicators like increased homeownership and small business creation.
- Educational achievements of participants.
- Community feedback on overall improvements in quality of life.
Yes, we welcome partnerships with local and national businesses that share our mission of community revitalization. Interested organizations can contact us to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
For more information, please contact us at 1-760-920-1379 or email us at [email protected]. For inquiries, please visit us at https://fund-nation.org/back-program-inquiries.
1-760-920-1379