How It Works
Structured by design.
Transparent from day one.
inara helps institutions run structured Community Capital Access Programs built on contribution behavior, not loans or credit. Every cohort follows a defined process: predictable contribution schedules, transparent payout sequencing, and active completion oversight from start to finish.
The Process
Six steps, from sponsor
commitment to cohort close.
Institution sponsors a cohort
A community organization, university, workforce program, or employer commits to running a Community Capital Access Program for its members, students, employees, or constituents. inara provides the infrastructure; the institution provides the community relationship.
Members commit to fixed weekly contributions
Each member agrees to a defined contribution amount per week over the length of the cycle. Contribution terms are established before the cohort begins — there are no variable rates or subsequent adjustments.
Transparent payout order is established
Before the first contribution is made, every member receives their assigned round number. The payout sequence is fixed and visible to all members from day one — no discretion, no surprises.
Members contribute weekly
Each week, all members contribute their fixed amount. The cohort payouts are formed through member contributions, not sponsor lending capital, external credit, or debt.
Each member receives one scheduled payout
On their assigned round, each member receives the full cohort contribution amount as a lump sum. This is not a loan. It is community capital distributed on a pre agreed schedule with no loan, interest, or repayment obligation.
Sponsor receives measurable program outcomes
At cycle close, the sponsoring institution receives a structured outcome report with completion rates, on-time contribution behavior, participation metrics, and impact data — documented evidence that the program delivered, not just ran. Reports include contribution consistency, engagement participation, completion rates, and financial resilience indicators to support program evaluation.
Engagement & Completion Infrastructure
Built to complete,
not just to start.
Weekly check-ins.
Every member receives structured outreach each week. Not generic notifications. Scheduled touchpoints designed to support participation, reduce drop off, and keep contribution behavior on track.
Payout touchpoints.
Members approaching their payout round receive direct outreach. Contribution status is confirmed before disbursement is released.
Structured progress visibility.
Members know where they stand in the cycle at all times. Transparency into the schedule reduces anxiety and increases follow-through.
Defined communication cadence.
Every interaction follows a documented protocol. No random outreach. The cadence is consistent across every cohort inara operates.
Completion stabilization by design.
The infrastructure exists to catch at-risk members before a missed contribution affects the cohort. Completion is not hoped for — it is managed.
Example Cohort Model
The math, made plain.
No fine print. No asterisks. These are the exact figures for a standard cohort.
Members
10
Per week
$200
per member
Cycle length
10 wks
Each member contributes
$2,000
$200 × 10 weeks
Each member receives
$2,000
One lump sum. No debt.
Total capital circulated
$20,000
10 members × $2,000
These figures illustrate a standard inara cohort model designed for transparency, predictable participation, and consistent reporting.
Safeguards
Built-in program protections.
Every cohort operates within a structured set of safeguards. These are operational facts, not assurances.
Identity verification
All members are verified before joining a cohort.
Contribution verification
Weekly contributions are confirmed before each scheduled payout is released.
Security deposit safeguard
A security deposit is held to protect against missed contributions during the cycle.
Pre-pay gate protection
Before a payout is released, the member’s next scheduled contribution is confirmed to help keep the cohort on track.
Transparent payout sequencing
The full payout schedule is shared with all members before the cohort begins.
No early withdrawal without participation
Access to funds is conditional on active, ongoing participation throughout the cycle.
Continuity protection
If a contribution is missed, position adjustments within the cohort keep the cycle on track for every member.
Secure Payment Infrastructure
Contributions, payouts, and bank connections are securely processed through trusted financial infrastructure, including Stripe and Plaid.
Structural Clarification
inara is not a bank and does not provide loans.
Member capital is self-funded through structured contribution cycles.
Sponsor funds cover program administration only.
Ready to learn how a cohort fits your institution?