Upward Momentum, an initiative to bring philanthropic dollars together with community-led organizations to address the often-neglected critical causes of generational poverty, has announced its initial philanthropic investments.
The initiative is dedicated to increasing economic mobility for all people through ensuring access to economic success, self-determination, and belonging regardless of race, gender, geography, or background.
Upward Momentum notes that a child born in the United States today has a less than 50% chance of earning more than their parents by adulthood. The problem is acute in Missouri where the median income is $8,000 below the national average, and job growth between now and 2030 is projected to be less than 1%.
Across our state, the barriers to economic mobility are increasing in rural and urban communities. This initiative seeks solutions to poverty that can work everywhere, from the small towns and unincorporated areas across the state to big cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.
Upward Momentum is funded at its inception by foundational investments from the Clever Little Girl Foundation, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, and Missouri Foundation for Health totaling $30 million in Missouri-based commitments.
It connects philanthropists, experts, and community leaders to build consensus and then invest in organizations that are demonstrating a transformative impact in their communities on a small scale and helping these organizations expand their reach and impact.
The first investments are:
- Caring for our families: A $1,075,811 investment over two years in Kids Win Missouri to extend critical work being done in Kansas City, St. Louis, and other communities to counties throughout the state to help get more childcare seats so parents can go to work and kids can have a safe environment in which to learn and grow.
- Navigating work: A $839,647 investment over two years in the Missouri Women’s Business Center, a program of Central Missouri Community Action, to expand its microlending project for small entrepreneurs and help people in struggling places get businesses of the ground and start creating good jobs in their communities.
- Bridging divides: An open call that will be announced later this fall to invite community-led and community-driven organizations throughout the state to propose ways that they can work collectively to build sustainable impact for economic stability.