Research indicates that low-income families with children have many motives to save, however, the costs of raising children, low wage employment, means tested programs, and the need for child care make it difficult for them to save. Using data from the American Dream Demonstration (n=1,801), this study examines saving performances of low-income families with children in a matched savings program -Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). The results indicate that households with children in IDAs can save when they are provided structured opportunities. In addition, this study finds that institutional factors, not merely individual characteristics, are highly associated with IDA saving performance, and are important in explaining saving performances in IDAs. Implications for policy makers and program administrators to better assist lowincome families to save and accumulate assets in IDAs are given.

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Research indicates that homeownership is a key variable in wealth accumulation. Using data from the American Dream Demonstration, this study examines the performance of low-income blacks and whites saving for homeownership through Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), a matched saving program. Results show black IDA participants saved smaller amounts and less frequently. Furthermore, findings suggest institutional variables have different associations with savings for blacks and whites. Implications for policymakers and program administrators are discussed regarding differential targeting of race groups in the design and implementation of programs aimed toward increasing savings and assets accumulation for low-income and minority households.

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