Ladder Up

Ladder Up helps its clients achieve financial stability through the Tax Assistance Program (TAP) and the Life-Improving Financial Tools (LIFT) program.

Through TAP, Ladder Up helps clients secure the funds they need to get on their feet and meet their immediate needs. Ladder Up offers free tax return preparation and e-file services to return real money to low-income clients. Since 1995, Ladder Up volunteers have prepared more than 106,000 tax returns, securing over $156 million in tax refunds for Chicagoland families and individuals.

The LIFT program comprises the Higher Education Access Initiative and Financial Literacy Program. Through the Higher Education Access Initiative, volunteers and staff members assist low-income, minority, and first-generation students in securing financial aid for postsecondary education by helping them complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and providing financial aid informational sessions throughout the school year. Since 2003, Ladder Up has assisted more than 13,000 students through FAFSA completion, helping them access an estimated $175 million in financial aid awards. Additionally, the organization has informed more than 27,000 students and parents about the financial aid process and college finances.

Through the Financial Literacy Program, Ladder Up helps individuals develop a strong foundation for financial decision making. Staff members host workshops at area high schools and community organizations to cover topics such as banking, credit, consumer responsibility and budgeting. Since piloting the program in 2010, Ladder Up has educated over 2,000 individuals about money management strategies and best practices.