Welcome to the Asset Independence Coalition site!

Who We Are

The Asset Independence Coalition (AIC) is comprised of neighborhood centers, community action agencies, banks, credit unions, universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies that are committed to building a strong financial future within our community.  Some of our non-profit and governmental partners include: Ingham and Eaton County, Michigan State University, Capital Area Community Services, the United Way, Northwest Initiative, and the IRS.  Some of our financial partners include: Comerica, 5/3^rd Bank, and Option 1 Credit Union.

Who We Serve and How We Serve Them

The coalition is dedicated to engaging Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham County residents as partners in the effort to create an economically sustainable community.  The mission of the AIC is to coordinate the resources of public and private institutions to promote the financial independence of low to moderate income residents of the counties mentioned above.  Our strategy is to reach residents through a two prong approach to help build wealth: first, through offering qualifying residents free tax preparation at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites; and second, by connecting residents with programs that will help meet their financial needs, or increase their financial knowledge. 

Our History

The AIC was founded in 2004 as the Ingham County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition.  The primary purpose of the Ingham County EITC Coalition was to help low income residents of Ingham County (primarily those who qualified for the EITC) file their taxes at no charge.  In 2005, we decided to expand the reach of the services to include Eaton and Clinton counties.  It was also decided at that time that the EITC designation did not adequately describe the expanding asset building scope of the coalition, and the name was changed to the Asset Independence Coalition.  In 2007, with grants from local government agencies and other private contributions, the AIC hired its first part-time coordinator.  To date, the AIC has returned approximately $13 million to Ingham, Eaton and Clinton county residents.

How You Can Help

The AIC recognizes the benefits of diverse partnerships and welcomes participation from interested organizations.  If you are interested in partnering with, or supporting the AIC, please contact either of the AIC Co-Chairs, Amanda Masters at 517-203-5020, or Maria Zavala at 517-483-4499 Ext. 4.