MORE: Jackson Foundation News Release Final_ April 2017

Jackson, a B:CIVIC member company and a  leading provider of retirement strategies,  recently announced the launch of  Jackson Charitable Foundation, and unveiled its initiative to introduce the Cha-ChingTM Money Smart Kids financial education program in the U.S. The Cha-Ching program aims to help more American children become financially empowered adults.

The program teaches basic money concepts to kids through a series of three-minute music videos portraying relatable animated characters making real-world decisions about money. It covers various concepts including earning, saving and donating. To effectively distribute Cha-Ching to U.S. children and families, the Foundation is investing nearly $3 million and formed partnerships with Discovery Education and Junior Achievement USA.

The launch comes in the middle of Financial Literacy Month, which aligns with the primary goals of the Foundation. The Foundation will operate as a 501(c)(3), with the mission to advance financial knowledge on a national scale, making substantial, measurable progress in helping Americans manage, protect and improve their personal finances. The Foundation will be an important addition to the charitable work Jackson already does on a local level, providing a complementary program to Jackson in Action and the Jackson National Community Fund, which celebrated 10 years of giving last year. Through the Foundation, Jackson aims to introduce and promote critical money concepts and educational programs for people of all ages.

Jackson National associates teach 'Money Matters' to teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing Jackson Teen Zone. [MATTHEW DAE SMITH | for Jackson]

Pictured left: Students from Boys & Girls Club watching Cha-ChingTM Money Smart Kids, a financial education program developed by the Jackson Charitable Foundation.