The GRO Fund's Freedom Futures Program to Provide Accelerated Learnings on Comprehensive Wealth-Building Interventions

ATLANTA, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Georgia Resilience and Opportunity (GRO) Fund proudly announces the official launch of Freedom Futures: Cash for Today, Capital for Tomorrow, a pioneering Baby Bonds and guaranteed income pilot program. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to directly address systemic wealth inequality in Atlanta, a city grappling with some of the highest income and wealth disparities in the U.S.

Freedom Futures is a pilot program that will serve approximately 50 young people in Atlanta over four years. Its innovative design pairs a monthly income support of $500 (cash for today) to help participants meet their basic needs with a substantial wealth-building investment—over $20,000 (capital for tomorrow)—to accelerate their wealth-building capabilities.

"Wealth inequality in America is at crisis levels. By piloting both guaranteed income and Baby Bonds together, we are building the evidence base for bold solutions that empower young people to break cycles of poverty and build generational wealth," said Hope Wollensack, Founding Executive Director of The GRO Fund.

Pilot programs like Freedom Futures are essential for building political and public will by making policy tangible.

"GRO is creating a unique laboratory for understanding how direct investments can transform economic outcomes for young people. Providing tangible data and narratives that can inform and accelerate the adoption of equitable wealth-building policies at state and federal levels far sooner," said David Radcliffe, State and Local Policy Director with The New School's Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy.

The GRO Fund plans to launch additional cohorts to build robust evidence and demonstrate impact in varying contexts across the state.

Eligible students currently enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Clark Atlanta University, and Benjamin E. Mays High School are encouraged to apply. The application closes on Wednesday, August 27. To learn more about Freedom Futures and apply, please visit here.

About The Georgia Resilience and Opportunity (GRO) Fund

The Georgia Resilience & Opportunity (GRO) Fund is a community-based nonprofit organization working to build a more just and equitable economy in Georgia. Through initiatives like In Her Hands and Freedom Futures, the GRO Fund is committed to empowering individuals and communities, addressing systemic inequities, and helping to bring policy solutions to life that will narrow the racial wealth divide.

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SOURCE Georgia Resilience & Opportunity Fund (GRO Fund)