Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund logo Emergency Financial PreparednessMessaging architecture & toolkit
Campaigns

Ready-to-use campaign directions.

Each campaign is designed to be adapted by cities and counties with local logos, program names, calls to action, and Canva templates.

Emergency prep isn't just batteries and supplies campaign preview Stormproof your money campaign preview
Campaign 1

Stormproof your money

Positions financial preparedness as part of disaster preparedness. Works best for an audience that already understands emergency preparedness and widens the definition to include money.

Best where disasters are top-of-mindEmergency Management channelsStorm season outreach

Why it works

It meets residents where they already are. In disaster-prone areas, people already understand physical preparedness — supplies, evacuation routes, boarding windows, and emergency kits. This campaign adds a missing piece: your money, credit, insurance, and documents are part of being ready too.

How to adapt this campaign to your own city/county

Preserve the “you already do X, now add Y” structure. Swap in the locally relevant hazard — stormproof, fireproof, floodproof, hurricane-ready — and route residents to a concrete city or county resource.

Short post

You prep your home for [storms/hurricanes/wildfires/tornados]. Prepare your finances too. Learn how to stormproof/fireproof/floodproof your money before the next emergency: [LINK]

Long post

You've prepped your home. You've got supplies. You know your evacuation route. But have you stormproofed/fireproofed/floodproofed your finances? Your savings, documents, and insurance are just as important as your emergency kit. ✅ Document your belongings ✅ Review your insurance ✅ Learn about free assistance programs Free resources at [link]. #StormProof #[CityName]Strong #EmergencyReady
One emergency shouldn't undo years of hard work campaign preview Take care of your family with a financial emergency plan campaign preview
Campaign 2

Protect what you’ve built

Positions financial preparedness as safeguarding what a resident has already achieved through their hard work.

General audienceCitywide commsSocial and mass media

Why it works

It frames preparedness as protection for the life residents are already building. It recognizes hard work, family, and goals rather than leading with disaster fear or generic financial advice.

How to adapt this campaign to your own city/county

Keep the resident as the capable builder and financial preparedness as the extension of that work. Make the next step concrete and low-friction. Use care with “one emergency” loss-aversion language for lower-income audiences; consider softer language like, “You know how to get through tough times. We want to help you weather emergencies with more money in your pocket.”

Short post

You work hard for your family. A few small steps protect what you've built – and help you keep building. [City] has free resources to start: [link]

Long post

You show up. You work hard. You take care of the people who depend on you. An unexpected emergency can disrupt your life in many ways. By taking a few small steps today you’ll be able to weather any storm and bounce back faster. [City Name] has free resources to help every family prepare. Start today: [link] #DisasterPrep #[CityName] #ProtectYourFamily #EmergencyReady
Sonoma County wants to help you flood-proof your home campaign preview The City of Dallas wants to help you prepare financially for emergencies campaign preview
Campaign 3

We want to help you prepare

This campaign recognizes that people already understand these actions are important — and offers tangible, concrete support to help people achieve them.

Program promotionCBO outreachSpecific benefits

Why it works

It puts the city, county, or trusted partner at the center as a source of help. That matters because financial messaging can feel scammy or generic unless a trusted local messenger makes the offer feel legitimate and actionable.

How to adapt this campaign to your own city/county

Name the place and the specific benefit. “The City of [X] wants to help you improve your credit score” is stronger than a generic “financial counseling is available.” The more specific the promoted program or benefit, the better.

Short post

[City] wants to help you [improve your credit score / recover from scams / build emergency savings] – for free. Get started today with a free appointment [link]

Long post

[City] has free help to get your [money/finances] ready for whatever comes your way. Get started today with a free appointment to review your insurance [link] OR Open a matched savings account today – it only takes 5 minutes [link] OR Schedule a free financial check-up today [link] OR Learn how to build your credit with a free workshop [link]
Additional ready-to-use materials

More templates to customize.

Social media carousel

Overview of key financial preparedness behaviors featuring residents as messengers.

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Print brochure

A brochure for in-person events or use with existing clients.

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One-pager

Stormproof/floodproof/fireproof your finances: three simple steps and free help from [City].

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Financial counselor cheat sheet

Talking points to help counselors integrate disaster financial preparedness into client conversations.

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Sample website content

Modular content cities and counties can use on preparedness or financial empowerment pages.

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Radio script + media talking points

Sample PSA, press release, and spokesperson language for launch moments.

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