FPA Partnership
FFP’s strategic partnership with the Financial Planning Association (FPA®) —the principal professional organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professionals —is critical to our work. FPA members and chapters provide thousands of pro bono hours annually in communities across the country, helping underserved individuals and families—including low- to moderate-income individuals, young adults, military, domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals and more—to build assets and improve their lives.
FFP and FPA have collaborated for many years, with FFP’s grants supporting FPA’s efforts to activate financial planning volunteers to deliver pro bono services to people in need. In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FFP provided grant funding to FPA to support the development of a national program designed to assist financial planners who were providing pro bono services to people impacted by the attack, including victims, their families and first responders.
Some FPA chapters also work alongside local nonprofit organizations to connect volunteers to their programs. FFP provides grants to many of these nonprofits, helping make more volunteer opportunities available for financial planners in the community. In fact, over 90% of FFP’s grants in 2020 directly support FPA’s pro bono efforts, including FPA’s national pro bono program, local chapter events and programs, and nonprofits working in collaboration with FPA volunteers.
Contact Your Local FPA Chapter
Many FPA Chapters have local pro bono programs, offering members opportunities to volunteer with people in need. Click here to locate your nearest chapter and contact them about existing pro bono activities.
Support for Individuals Affected by COVID-19
To support individuals who are impacted by COVID-19 and the related economic fallout, many FPA members are providing short-term pro bono financial guidance to those who need help. The FPA members listed on this page are Certified Financial Planner™ professionals who have completed a pro bono training course and are willing to provide free, no-strings-attached financial planning and advice to those in need.
Through this service, FPA members have helped many families and individuals navigate their financial crises. In one example, John, a CFP and FPA member, met virtually with Patricia, a pro bono client who was self-employed and had no emergency savings, $16,000 in credit card debt, and no mortgage on her house. Stressed about her debt and reduced income due to COVID-19, Patricia inquired about selling her house as a means to pay her bills. John discussed with Patricia the pros and cons of selling, as well as the pros and cons of filing for bankruptcy. He encouraged Patricia to negotiate with her creditors, as many are open to new terms due to COVID-19, and to reduce her debt payments to build an emergency fund. Finally, they discussed ways to increase her income.
“She was very happy with our discussion and was able to move forward in a positive, proactive manner,” John explained. “She is hopeful for her future.”
Financial Planning for Cancer Program
Currently, FFP, in partnership with FPA and national nonprofit Family Reach, is bringing comprehensive financial supports and interventions—including pro bono financial planning—to at-risk families battling a serious cancer diagnosis. The Financial Planning for Cancer program has offered important insights into the impact that pro bono financial planning can have on patients and their families. Together, we will continue to test, refine and grow outstanding program models so that this work can be replicated and scaled, eventually helping thousands of families across the country.
To learn more about the Financial Planning for Cancer program and how FPA members can get involved, please contact FPA Pro Bono Director, Kurt Kaczor at FPAProBono@OneFPA.org.