Frequently asked questions

and answers about the UpTogether Community

General

What is UpTogether?

UpTogether is a systems change organization that recognizes that poverty is created by systems, rooted in racism and perpetuated by false views of people who some describe as “poor.”

UpTogether seeks to change policies, systems and underlying beliefs so that all people in the United States are seen and invested in for their strengths and are able to build power, reinforce their autonomy and drive their own economic and social mobility.
What is the UpTogether Community?

The UpTogether Community is a website where families and individuals can connect online, collaborate and help each other accomplish their goals. Unlike traditional social media sites, it doesn’t have ads and we do not sell member data.

Once joining the UpTogether Community, you become an UpTogether member and have access to various cash offers from our funding partners. Members can use their investments however they choose and don’t have to pay it back. Cash offers are not guaranteed and depend on the availability of funds and whether you meet eligibility requirements.

The UpTogether Community is in its infancy right now and we are partnering with our members to bring new features and enhancements to the platform.

UpTogether Community Membership.

Who can join the UpTogether Community?

Anyone who is 18 or older and lives in the United States can join the UpTogether Community.
Are there requirements to join or create an UpTogether Community group?

In order to join and/or participate in UpTogether groups, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the United States. Currently, someone in the group must invite you to join. You cannot join a group without being invited, but you can create your own group.

There are no requirements for the type of group you can form. They’re based on your interests. Members have created local community groups, groups for moms, prayer groups, groups for those interested in music and concerts and many more. As long as your group adheres to the code of conduct, feel free to create or join any type of group you’d like.

We are in the process of designing a new UpTogether Community experience that will allow members to easily search for and join groups, and connect with each other. We are learning from our members to guide these improvements and expect to roll out new features later in 2023.
What do groups in the UpTogether Community do?

UpTogether Community groups do what most social circles do outside of UpTogether. They share connections, opportunities and support to help each other accomplish their goals. By bringing those experiences online, UpTogether groups have the opportunity to strengthen their bonds, share their ideas and solutions with a broader community and provide evidence to transform stereotypes, beliefs and policies that are making it difficult for hardworking people and communities to get ahead.

Right now, you can create your own group, but you cannot join an existing group without being invited. That will change soon.

We are in the process of designing a new UpTogether Community experience that will allow members to easily search for and join groups without having to be invited. We are learning from our members to guide these improvements and expect to roll out new features later in 2023.
Do I have to be a part of an UpTogether Community group?

One of the tenants of our strength-based approach is “choice.” So once you sign up and become an UpTogether member, it’s your decision whether to join a group and connect with others. If you choose not to join a group, you will still have the opportunity to share your story, receive investments and rally with other members to change policies and practices that are making it difficult for hardworking people to get ahead.

UpTogether Investments/Cash Offers

Why does UpTogether give people money?

After 20 years learning from and investing in families, UpTogether (formerly Family Independence Initiative) knows that – contrary to what stereotypes suggest – people with limited incomes are hardworking, resourceful and smart. They are taking actions every day to accomplish their goals and are helping their friends and family do the same. We’re simply investing in what they’re already doing to help them accomplish their personal and financial goals faster so they can all move up, together.

Cash offers depend on the availability of funds and members must meet eligibility requirements.
How do I know if I have a cash offer?
How do cash offers impact my public benefits?
Will receiving a cash offer from UpTogether impact my state and local tax reporting requirements or the state and local taxes I have to pay?

Depending on where you live, if you receive an UpTogether cash offer the money may be subject to state or local income taxes. Before accepting an UpTogether cash offer, consider consulting with a qualified tax professional about whether UpTogether’s cash offer is required to be reported on any relevant state and/or local tax return forms and whether the money will subject you to state and/or local taxes.

Thinking about joining the UpTogether Community but have a few more questions, first? Sign up for one of our info sessions.

(Sesiones de información en español)

Already a member and have specific questions related to your membership? Check out the UpTogether Knowledge Center.

Frequently asked questions

and answers about the UpTogether Community

General

UpTogether Community Membership.

UpTogether Investments/Cash Offers

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