At the Institute of Consumer Money Management (ICMM), our primary objective is to enhance financial stability for low- to moderate-income (LMI) individuals by funding actionable and measurable research projects. These projects will operate in both the applied and academic arenas, with the ultimate goal of improving the financial skills and long-term wealth-building prospects of the LMI population.
Financial stability at every age.
Our Strategic Model
ICMM provides funding for projects aligned with our three-pillar framework.
Empowering Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Individuals and Families
Our primary mission is to support and uplift LMI individuals and families across the United States. We understand the unique financial challenges faced by these communities and are dedicated to providing them with the tools, resources, and education needed to achieve financial stability and success.
Initiatives
Through tailored programs, financial literacy education, and targeted interventions, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the financial wellbeing of those who need it most.
Bridging Research and Practice
At ICMM, we are dedicated to translating foundational research into actionable solutions for real-world problems. We bridge the gap between basic research and practical application, ensuring that the latest financial insights and innovations are accessible to the communities we support.
Initiatives
Our translational work involves close collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop and implement programs that directly address the financial challenges faced by LMI households.
Commitment to Rigorous Evaluation
We place strong emphasis on using rigorous evaluation methods to ensure that our programs and interventions are both valid and effective. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, allowing us to continually assess and improve our initiatives.
Initiatives
By employing advanced research methodologies and continuous monitoring, we guarantee that our efforts deliver tangible results, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Mission & Vision
To support research that promotes financial security for low- to moderate-income (LMI) consumers.
To become a leading evidence-based organization that caters to the financial literacy and financial wellbeing concerns in our local community and nationwide.
Core Focus Areas
Research Focus Areas
At ICMM, we believe the research we fund should be:
- Scalable and sustainable
- Equity-centered
- Translational
- Rigorous
- Measurable
Financial Inclusion
Too often, resources available to help low-to-moderate income individuals and families are not used, usually because those who need the support the most are not the ones being offered that support where they live. ICMM is deeply committed to supporting research that helps to connecting people with the resources and services they can use to build their financial wellbeing and reduce financial stress.
Financial Education
Despite the mounting evidence of the positive effects of financial literacy and wellbeing education, there is slow progression in integrating personal finance courses within schools and universities. Our goal is to help develop and implement financial literacy tools for use in programs around the nation.
Housing Stability
Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase homes, both because of the rising costs of homeownership and because of the lack of homes available on the market. Our partners, Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI), and the graduate student fellows for the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) have provided insights in both the basic and applied research areas of financial wellbeing within the housing space.
Retirement Security
Older Americans – especially those with low-to-moderate incomes – are facing challenges related to when and how they should claim retirement funds, as well as how to navigate their financial futures in an ever-changing online environment.
Emergency Savings
As national debt rises, and more Americans are struggling to pay the bills, putting money away for a rainy day in the future seems like an impossibility. However, having even a small amount in emergency savings, like $300, can significantly improve your financial wellbeing by providing a small safety net for the inevitable but unpredictable events.
In the News
SFI and Stackwell Expand the Student Investment Program to 16 HBCUs
Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and Stackwell Expand the Student Investment Program (SIP) to 16 HBCUs with $150,000 Grant From the…
Middle-Income Financial Stress Climbs — With Further Increases Forecast for 2026
ICMM, March 23, 2025 Recent coverage on CNBC highlighted new data from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Financial Stress Index,…
ICMM Announces Grant to Brookings Institution
Supporting Research on the Economic Burden of Unpaid Caregiving The Institute of Consumer Money Management (ICMM) announces a $450,000 research…
ICMM’s 10-year Anniversary
Celebrating 10 years of service in working to improve financial stability for low- to moderate-income Americans 2025 was a year…
Unlocking Hidden Genius: Why Financial Literacy and Equity Matter for Generational Wealth
“I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people…
Introducing Dr. Henry C. McKoy, Jr.
Appointed President & CEO of Carolina Community Impact, Unveils Bold Vision for Inclusive Economic Growth Carolina Community Impact (CCI) proudly…
