http://www.isedventures.org

ISED Ventures' focus is on poverty alleviation rather than traditional economic development.  ISED Ventures' services and programs are targeted to populations typically underserved and most at risk, including low-income women, minorities, refugees, ex-offenders, non-custodial parents and those below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  ISED's programs focus on helping people to gain and manage assets to achieve economic and family stability. 
 
With specific services such as free tax preparation to help people obtain the Earned Income Tax Credit, Individual Development Accounts, and help repairing bad credit, ISED serves families seeking financial success.  ISED is a leader in the field of microenterprise development and the winner of the 1998 Presidential Award for Microenterprise Development in the area of poverty alleviation.  In 2003, ISED was named one of eight recipients of the Families Count:  National Honors Program of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  This award recognizes organizations that are making a difference in the lives of families struggling to survive in low-income neighborhoods and disadvantaged communities.  In 2003, ISED was recognized by the Points of Light Foundation for its use of volunteers to respond to needs in the community.