Asset Funders Network (AFN) partnered with the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (FSP) to create a brief titled “High Stakes, High Reward: How All Funders Can Make Critical, Catalytic Contributions to Investing in the Financial Security of Young Adults.” The brief addresses the financial capability needs of young adults (YA) aged 16-25. It includes a framework for youth financial well-being and concludes with actionable strategies for philanthropists to enhance YA’s financial security. AFN also partnered with Young Invincibles to develop a complementary data document on the financial health of Gen Z based on their national survey. The survey covers
key financial variables such as net wealth, debt types and amounts, and income sources and levels.
Based on the brief and data document, AFN launched a funder-only discussion series that ran from January to May 2024. This series featured four virtual roundtables centered on the financial well-being of young adults. The discussions allowed members to share promising strategies for youth financial well-being, discuss challenges, and
explore opportunities for collaborative philanthropic investments.
This summary report provides insights from the funders who participated in the Roundtable Discussion Series and highlights learnings around three key themes:
- Mental Wellness: An Essential Prerequisite for Young Adult Financial Well-Being
- Four Conditions Necessary for Young Adult Financial Well-Being
- Key Ingredients for Young Adult Financial Well-Being Program Design
