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NEFE is evolving.

NEFE debuted its first program four decades ago, helping fulfill a need at that time for quality financial education. The financial and technological landscape is very different today, and we understand the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of our field.

As part of our strategic shift, we have updated our mission statement to reflect how we will incite growth, impact and change to improve the effectiveness of financial well-being efforts. In recognition of our legacy of service to the field and our continued evolution, we are proud to announce our amended mission statement in response to our new direction.

Our Mission

NEFE champions effective financial education. We are the independent, centralizing voice providing leadership, research and collaboration to advance financial well-being.

Our Vision

NEFE envisions a nation where everyone has the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to live their best financial life.

Our Core Values

NEFE believes systemic interventions and equitable access leads to greater financial well-being for all. Through our core values:

  • Intentionality
  • Collaboration
  • Transparency
  • Stewardship

We are placing increased focus on understanding and enhancing the impact of knowledge and behavior influencers, bolstering thoughtful and actionable research, and convening key thought leaders to support a forward-thinking agenda for the field of financial education.

NEFE's North Star

To measurably improve financial well-being for all through access, quality and impact of equitable K-12 and postsecondary financial education systems.

NEFE’s role:

Experts. With more than 30 years leveraging a legacy of dedication to the advancement of financial education, NEFE uses their experience, analysis and insights to provide guidance and support for the future of the financial education field.

Unifiers. NEFE recognizes the value in strengthening relationships with, and among, a broad cross section of organizations, steering collective wisdom and driving collaboration. As a unifying voice, NEFE guides the national dialogue in the spirit of maintaining momentum.

Visionaries. For the collective movement to create effective tools for improved financial well-being, NEFE is a beacon of growth, impact and change. NEFE asks the tough questions and challenges the community to reach beyond obvious answers.

Our Story

Frequently Asked Questions

A financial education nonprofit is an organization dedicated to improving people’s financial knowledge, decision-making, and overall financial well-being through research, collaboration, advocacy, and other mission-driven efforts. Rather than offering products or services for profit, these organizations work to address financial challenges by advancing education, supporting evidence-based solutions, and strengthening the systems and resources that shape financial outcomes. Financial education nonprofits may work with educators, researchers, policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to improve access to quality financial education and help people make informed financial decisions.

NEFE is an independent nonprofit organization focused on advancing effective financial education and improving financial well-being. Its work centers on supporting research, generating thought leadership, and collaborating with leaders across the financial education field to better understand how people make financial decisions and which strategies can help improve outcomes. In this way, NEFE’s mission is to help build a stronger, more well-informed financial education ecosystem.

NEFE serves a broad network of stakeholders who shape financial education, financial decision-making, and financial well-being in the United States. This includes researchers studying financial behaviors and outcomes, educators and practitioners delivering financial education, policymakers guiding financial education policy, and other leaders working to improve financial well-being in their communities and institutions. By engaging these audiences, NEFE strengthens the field and supports efforts to make financial education more effective, accessible, and evidence-based.

Ultimately, NEFE’s mission is designed to benefit individuals and communities by improving the systems, research, and partnerships that shape financial education. Rather than focusing on a single audience, NEFE works across sectors to bring together varied viewpoints and encourage collaboration among the people best positioned to drive change. This approach helps create a stronger foundation for developing financial capability and long-term financial well-being at a larger scale, while supporting broader financial education advocacy.

NEFE advances financial well-being by supporting research, fostering collaboration, and promoting evidence-based approaches to financial education. Its work centers on understanding how people make financial decisions, what barriers affect those decisions, and which strategies can most effectively help individuals improve their financial lives. By investing in research and sharing insights with the broader field, NEFE builds a stronger body of knowledge around financial behavior, financial education, and financial well-being. Through thought leadership, partnerships, and field-wide engagement, NEFE helps identify emerging issues, elevate evidence-based ideas, and encourage more effective financial education efforts. This united approach encourages long-term progress by helping organizations, leaders, and communities make more informed decisions about improving financial outcomes over time.

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