WHO WE ARE
Why We Exist
The Need
There are five million formerly incarcerated people living in the United States. People who have been incarcerated at some point in their lives face often-permanent barriers to securing transportation, housing, employment, and capital for building their own business. When individuals are released from jail or prison, they are further burdened by court-ordered debt. Most are ineligible for traditional bank loans and lines of credit or are subject to prohibitively high interest rates. These combined hurdles limit the economic opportunity of formerly incarcerated people and prevent them from reaching their potential. As a result, some return to criminal behavior, increasing the likelihood of reincarceration and damaging the stability of their families and communities.
Our Solution
The Fountain Fund program model provides low-interest loans and financial coaching to formerly incarcerated people, helping them build credit and achieve their self-determined goals. The Fountain Fund also advocates for public policy that increases economic opportunities and reduces obstacles for formerly incarcerated people.
National Director of Economic Empowerment Paul Yates and Executive Director Erika Viccellio
National Director of Client and Community Engagement Martize Tolbert and University of Virginia President Jim Ryan
Results
Since its inception in 2017, the Fountain Fund has extended more than 562 low-interest microloans, totaling more than $2.4 million, to 453 formerly incarcerated people. Today, 73% of Fountain Fund loans are in good standing and $1.2 million in loan capital has been recycled. 70% of Client Partners have established or improved their credit scores , and 98% of Client Partners reported an improved understanding of credit.
In 2023, 99% of Client Partners reported at least one significant life improvement related to economic opportunity and 96% reported that they achieved their primary loan goal. With the Fountain Fund’s support, 38% secured transportation, 16% got their driver’s license reinstated, 20% paid court debt, 11% secured employment, 23% secured housing, 13% started or expanded a business, and 19% increased their wages.
99% of Client Partners achieved better financial stability and reported having hope for the future. 97% reported that they are better able to support their families. Of survey respondents, 94% were not reincarcerated and 99% reported that their experience with the Fountain Fund improved their life.
In 2020, the Fountain Fund also helped inspire, inform and shape HB 1895 that passed in the Virginia General Assembly session. The bill eliminates fees for payment plans and interest accrual after an individual is charged with a crime and during incarceration.
Growth
There are five million formerly incarcerated people living in the United States. The Fountain Fund envisions that they and their families will have hope and opportunity.
There are numerous agencies across the country providing reentry services for formerly incarcerated people. However, no other organization tailors personal and business lending to support the self-determined goals of formerly incarcerated people, customizing financial coaching to their challenges in accessing capital and establishing credit.
The Fountain Fund is expanding the reach of its low-interest lending into new geographic regions in partnership with regional and national organizations providing complementary reentry services. We leverage existing resources and expertise in serving formerly incarcerated people with a financial need and eagerness to create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
In 2022, the Fountain Fund launched a pilot expansion of our partnership model with the First 72+ in New Orleans and extended our lending into Richmond, Virginia. In 2023, with the generous support of the GreenLight Fund, we established a new site in Philadelphia. And in 2024, our fifth location in Boston opened its doors!
We believe that scaling and operating in partnership is the most sustainable way to lend hope and opportunity to formerly incarcerated people and their families across the United States.