Fortera Foundation
Building the bridge to an empowered future.
Degrees of Change
Established in 2021, the Fortera Foundation was established to align Fortera’s core values, resources and commitment to Do. Better. Together.
Aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty and improve families’ long-term financial stability, the Foundation provides supportive resources and financial assistance to single-parent students pursuing a college education. By helping students overcome barriers to completing their degree, the Foundation strives to:
- increase the retention rate of parenting students and enable them to graduate;
- increase educational opportunity and academic success for parents and children: and
- increase economic self-sufficiency for single-parent families.
Applying for Assistance:
Eligbile single-parent students may apply for financial assistance through the Fortera Foundation. Those attending Austin Peay State University may request financial assistance by applying for a Fortera Foundation Bridge Scholarship through the university’s financial aid office.
Please click below to determine eligibility and apply for assistance.
Two-Generation Benefit
By achieving their degree, not only do single parents increase their income potential, they may also inspire educational goals for their children and the generations behind them.
Bridging the Gap
Advancing this mission, the Foundation partners with Austin Peay State University to provide supportive assistance to single parents. Creating the bridge to a better life, the program seeks to empower single-parent students with the resources needed to enter college and graduate with a life-changing degree.
In 2023-2023, twelve $4,000 scholarships were awarded to eligible Austin Peay State University students. Information about the Fortera Foundation Bridge Fund Scholarships can be found here.
Beyond financial assistance, the Foundation will also partner with Austin Peay and other educational institutions to offer financial literacy and success coaching programs. Furthering a broader mission, the organization will support additional initiatives that advance the economic self-sufficiency of Fortera members and local residents.
Building a Strong Foundation - Additionally, the Foundation also provides ten annual scholarships to local high school students to further their post-secondary education.
Becoming a Fortera Foundation Member
You can help Fortera make a meaningful difference by joining the Fortera Foundation as a Lifetime or Sustaining Member. Below you'll find the details of each membership level. It's easy to join in one of two ways:
- Video Chat or Phone: Complete the Membership Enrollment Form and contact us via Video Chat or phone to complete your dues payment and enrollment. Payment may be made by account transfer.
- Branch Visit: Visit any Fortera branch to complete the Membership Enrollment Form and make your dues payment by cash or check deposit or account transfer. Enrollment forms can be found here or at any branch location.
Lifetime Members
BENEFITS
Communication: Keeping you in the know about the difference we’re creating together, members will receive bi-annual communication highlighting the Foundation’s work and impact.
Involvement: Lifetime Members may have the opportunity to become involved with Foundation activities such as:
- Mentoring and/or tutoring program participants
- Serving on sub-committees
- Sponsoring an event
- Volunteering at a Fortera Foundation hosted or sponsored event
- Providing supportive resources
- Attending Fortera Foundation-sponsored events
Sustaining Members
BENEFITS
Governance: One (1) representative from the Sustaining Membership body will be nominated annually by the Fortera Foundation Nominating Committee for election to the Fortera Foundation Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year.
Communication: Keeping you in the know about the difference we’re creating together, members will receive bi-annual communication highlighting the Foundation’s work and impact.
Involvement: Sustaining Members may have the opportunity to become involved with Foundation activities such as:
- Mentoring and/or tutoring program participants
- Serving on sub-committees
- Sponsoring an event
- Volunteering at a Fortera Foundation hosted or sponsored event
- Providing supportive resources
- Attending Fortera Foundation-sponsored events