Goodwill Manasota recently received a $40,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund to implement the “Bank On” program for its more than 700 employees, as well as veterans and Job Connection customers served by Goodwill. The program connects people to safe, affordable checking accounts to help them get on the path to financial stability.

The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund has developed national standards for bank accounts; Bank On accounts do not allow overdraft, cost $5 or less per month, and offer features like free online bill pay. Bank On Suncoast, a local coalition launched in 2018 under United Way Suncoast, will provide online training to help individuals learn why it’s good to have a bank account, how to choose a bank account and how to use online bill pay services.