You might ask me what is IDA? Here is the answer.
History...
The IDA and Asset Building Collaborative of North Carolina was initially formed in 1996 as a working group of diverse organizations and individuals interested in demonstrating Individual Development Accounts, a new asset-building strategy, in North Carolina. Early supporters and members of the working group included leading institutions in the state's extensive community and economic development network as well as state government officials, affordable housing groups and community development financial institutions.
In 1997, NC IDA Collaborative secured funding from the N.C General Assembly through the Department of Labor to administer a two-year demonstration of IDAs. In addition, the Division of Community Assistance allocated funds from the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for a homeownership IDA demonstration. Along with operating support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and the Fannie Mae Foundation, NC IDA Collaborative worked to develop the demonstration program for the state and award grants for the first IDA program sites in North Carolina.
Since that time, NC IDA Collaborative has expanded both its network of partners and of operating IDA programs. Program expansion has primarily been possible with additional funding secured through the federal Assets for Independence Act, the North Carolina Housing Finance agency, and significant in-kind support from program practitioners and other partners.
After six years of demonstration, the role of NC IDA Collaborative has evolved from program development and public awareness to policy development, networking, fundraising and technical assistance. In 2002, as a state network supporting one the nation's largest IDA programs with almost 700 active accounts and 25 program sites, NC IDA Collaborative moved to establish itself as a formal, non-profit organization.
With support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, NC IDA Collaborative was able to hire an executive director in the fall of 2002 and apply for and receive its 501 (c) 3 designation in early 2003. Currently NC IDA Collaborative performs vital tasks that advocate and support the efforts of the local IDA program providers to include resource leveraging, policy development, public information and awareness, technical support, evaluation and accountability.
Today, NC IDA Collaborative continues to develop its capacity to serve as the voice for IDA and asset building strategies in North Carolina. As the excitement of the success achieved by existing IDAs programs continues to grow in the communities and homes of North Carolina families, NC IDA Collaborative will strive to make IDAs available to a greater number of eligible working families. In addition, NC IDA Collaborative continues to explore new and innovative approaches to asset-building that promote long-term economic self-sufficiency for North Carolina families.
Current Board of Directors
The IDA and Asset Building Collaborative of North Carolina is currently governed by a nine member Board of Directors representing several of the founding organizations of NC IDA Collaborative as well as IDA program partners and members of North Carolinas community development network.
Who is responsible when something goes terribly wrong with the process?
Nam Douglass, Co-chairConsultant
Dan Kornelis, Co-chairDirector of Housing, Forsyth County
Lucy Gorham, SecretaryDirector of EITC Carolinas, MDC Inc.
Linda Shaw, TreasurerConsultant
Vickie MillerDepartment of CommerceDivision of Community Assistance
Elaine C. RideoutWISERsystems, Inc.
Carl ManningKingdom CDC
LaTasha Best-GaddyNC Institute of Minority Economic Development
NC IDA Collaborative Staff
Linda ShawInterim Executive Director info@ncidacollaborative.org
Monica CopelandPolicy and Outreach Associatemcopeland@ncidacollaborative.org
Ronnica RotheOffice Managerinfo@ncidacollaborative.org
JExperiment in Self-RelianceContact: Danny Haire or
Barbara Johnson Phone: 336.722.9400 ext.404 or ext.410 Counties: City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Judy Ford, Controller