Operation HOPE and Empower bring no-cost financial coaching to Wichita's North End. Operation HOPE is proud to announce a new HOPE Inside location in partnership with Empower and Stand Together, bringing no-cost financial coaching and economic empowerment services directly into Wichita's North End community in Wichita, Kansas. Across the country, millions of households remain locked out of mainstream financial services and lack access to the trusted, one-on-one coaching that could help them build credit, manage debt, and plan for the future. Too often, the people who stand to benefit most from financial guidance are the least likely to have someone in their corner they can turn to. HOPE Inside is designed to close that gap. The partnership pairs complementary strengths. Operation HOPE brings a nationally proven financial coaching model and the infrastructure to deliver it, while Empower and Stand Together bring deep, trusted relationships within the community and the local access that carries those services to the families who need them most. Together, they can offer something none could deliver alone: professional financial coaching inside an organization the community already knows. Located in the heart of the North End, the site will offer one-on-one financial coaching focused on Credit & Money Management, with Homeownership preparation to follow, delivered by a dedicated financial wellbeing coach embedded in the community, not stationed outside of it. HOPE Inside is a community-based financial coaching program that places trained coaches inside trusted local organizations, offering no-cost, one-on-one guidance to help community members build credit, reduce debt, save money, and prepare for homeownership. For Empower, a community-based nonprofit rooted in Wichita's North End and Latino communities, this partnership is a natural extension of the work it has done for years: economic mobility, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization, now joined by financial empowerment under the same roof. "Our roots are in Wichita's Hispanic and Latino community, and over the years we've seen how much of a difference it makes when people have someone they can trust in their corner," said Erika Patrick, Director of Financial Empowerment at Empower. "This partnership brings even more opportunities for families to improve their financial wellbeing, build credit, work toward homeownership, and create a better future. It's about giving people the confidence and the tools to reach goals they didn't think were possible." What makes this partnership distinctive is where the coaching happens. Rather than asking families to seek out financial help in unfamiliar places, HOPE Inside brings nationally proven coaching into the organizations where people already turn for support. This makes those services far more accessible, and far more likely to be used. By embedding HOPE Inside within Empower, financial coaching stops being an outside intervention and becomes a trusted resource inside an institution the community already knows. A family can sit down with a coach to raise a credit score, pay down debt, build savings, and map a real path to homeownership, all in a place built to serve them. "Our partnership with Operation HOPE represents far more than a program; it's a pathway to dignity, agency, and financial freedom for people who have long been excluded from opportunity," said Daron Babcock, Managing Director of Community Transformation at Stand Together. "Together, we are proving that when we remove barriers and trust people with the right tools, they can transform their lives and their communities." "Economic empowerment has to be rooted in proximity and trust," said Mary Ehrsam, EVP, President of Partnerships at Operation HOPE. "By partnering with Empower and Stand Together, we're meeting families where they already are, with coaching that builds credit, strengthens financial confidence, and opens the door to homeownership. That's how access becomes lasting economic mobility." HOPE Inside is designed to help every American reach the American Dream through financial literacy. It removes the barriers that have long kept people out of the financial system, not through temporary relief, but through education, coaching, and long-term relationships. The Wichita launch is the latest step in a growing partnership between Operation HOPE, Empower, and Stand Together to expand financial inclusion across the communities that need it most, embedding coaching and opportunity in the places people already call home.

From foundations to Freedom: philanthropy's bold investments in America 250. As July 4, 2026 draws near, America stands on the threshold of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is not only a time to celebrate the birth of its nation, but also an opportunity to reflect on the principles, freedoms and civic traditions that have sustained its country for two and a half centuries. From liberty and self-government to opportunity, resilience and the pursuit of happiness, these ideals articulated in 1776 continue to inspire Americans today. Across the country, philanthropists are marking this historic occasion through programs, events and initiatives that honor its nation's past while helping to strengthen its future. Philanthropy Roundtable is proud to work alongside many of these philanthropists as they invest in efforts that preserve its history, deepen civic understanding and foster a renewed appreciation for the responsibilities and opportunities of self-government. The projects highlighted below illustrate three distinct ways philanthropy is contributing to America 250: investing in the institutions that preserve its history, expanding civic understanding and encouraging active citizenship. Investing in Civic Infrastructure The Connelly Foundation, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to building a flourishing community through championing Catholic education, is celebrating America's 250th through strategic investments in the city of brotherly love. In 2023, Connelly and several other leading foundations in the city launched a donor-advised fund (DAF) titled the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial in preparation for the nation's exciting milestone. The fund exists to support America 250 programs run by qualifying nonprofits in the Philadelphia area. Chairman and President of the Connelly Foundation Tom Riley said this fund has presented a unique opportunity to connect grantees with proposals, fostering a renewed sense of collaboration and fellowship among organizations city-wide. As of now, the collaborative has funded over $18 million in projects through more than 100 grants. The funding has been directed toward projects ranging from cleaning graffiti and supplying water bottles to police officers to building new monuments and supporting improvements to Independence Hall. In advance of America 250, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy families, made a $1 million gift to the National Archives Foundation to update, refresh and rehabilitate the William G. McGowan Theater with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. The upgrade ensures the theater can use the highest-quality media, video and audio that cuts across decades and generations to engage Americans with the thoughts and expressions of its country, and to promote civic understanding for years to come. The Fund has also committed to supporting the National Archives Foundation in perpetuity through an endowed fund taking effect this summer, in conjunction with America 250. The Fund continues to value being part of a community of donors investing in the institutions that preserve and steward shared history for the next generation. Investing in Civic Understanding The Kirby Foundation is celebrating America's 250th Anniversary through a five-part monthly webinar series called "We the People: Reflections at 250." Each video examines how the ideals of 1776 continue to guide America's journey toward fulfilling its founding promise, focusing respectively on character, free speech, volunteerism, civic virtue and democratic institutions. This series debuted in April of this year and will continue through September and can be found here. The videos feature insight from distinguished scholars and civic leaders from among Kirby's nonprofit partners. An organization committed to the growth and success of Christian K-12 education in America, the Herzog Foundation has produced a year-long video series entitled "Faith & Freedom" in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The initial video was released on July 4, 2025 with a new video being released every Friday through July 3, 2026. The series provides insight into the integral connection between liberty and faith. The videos feature educators, leaders, parents and everyday Americans reflecting on key moments in its nation's history and the importance of commemorating 250 years of liberty. Investing in Civic Participation Stand Together, a philanthropic community focused on empowering people to solve problems and strengthen their communities, has supported several initiatives connected to America's 250th Anniversary. Stand Together partnered with Wonder Project and Angel Studios to produce "Young Washington" and joined the Bill of Rights Institute and others to bring the film and accompanying educational resources to classrooms nationwide. The film explores how George Washington's formative years shaped his character and leadership, offering lessons on the virtues and principles that helped define his presidency. Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO of Stand Together, and Charles Koch, chairman and co-CEO of Koch Industries and Stand Together's founder, published "Believe in People, America's 250th Anniversary Edition" in March of this year. This new edition adds content that shows readers why America's founding values still matter and how to apply them. Finally, Stand Together is one of the founding members of Be the People, a 10-year call to action to reconnect Americans with local problem-solving. Be the People is led by a growing coalition of more than 50 leaders and organizations across civic, cultural, business and community life. It combines storytelling with a digital platform that connects people to opportunities to get involved where they live by rebuilding confidence that Americans can tackle challenges together by amplifying the work people are already doing in their communities. If you would like to learn more about any of the organizations listed here or share how your organization is commemorating America's 250th anniversary, please contact Senior Director of American Values & Policy Philanthropy Clarice Smith. Mentioned on this page. Affiliation [email protected]