A strong foundation for future child savings opportunities already exists. Now it’s time to build on it.

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Supported by Citi Foundation, Prosperity Now’s recent report, Next-Generation Savings Readiness Report: Field Readiness, Implementation Pathways, and Strategic Priorities for Child Savings Opportunities, examines how prepared organizations across the country are to support emerging child and birth-based savings opportunities, including Section 530A accounts.

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Drawing on insights from 332 organizations across 45 states, the report assesses field readiness and identifies the guidance, coordination, partnerships, and capacity-building needed to help families and children benefit from emerging savings opportunities and build pathways to long-term prosperity.

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Key Findings

• Existing infrastructure provides a strong foundation. Many organizations already have experience in financial coaching, tax preparation, benefits access, family engagement, youth programming, and savings initiatives.‍
• Readiness is strong, but uneven. While many organizations feel prepared to adapt to new programs,operational capacity varies across the field.‍
• Community-based organizations are essential. Schools, financial coaches, tax preparation providers, healthcare providers, and other trusted local institutions play an important role in helping families understand and access new opportunities.‍
• Implementation support is needed. Organizations identified clear guidance, training, technical assistance, implementation tools, and peer learning as top priorities.‍
• Coordination will determine success. Strong collaboration across community organizations, financial institutions, employers, schools, public agencies, philanthropy, and other stakeholders will be essential.

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Beyond assessing readiness, the report provides implementation pathways and action agenda for stakeholders across sectors. The agenda outlines five practical priorities to strengthen implementation capacity, improve coordination, and help emerging child savings opportunities reach the families who stand to benefit most.