Our Story
The Heartland Institute for Financial Education (HIFE) was founded in 1997 by Alan Gappinger, officially becoming a 501(c)(3) public charity in 2006. With a mission to provide effective financial education, HIFE addresses the critical need for guidance in managing personal finances. Supported by a consortium of colleges and universities, HIFE has expanded its reach internationally, including Canada and the Philippines, while focusing on high school students' financial literacy and college planning.