Early Childhood in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, early intervention specialists play a vital role in supporting young children who are at risk of facing poor outcomes due to disabilities, developmental delays, or challenging circumstances. Therefore, these specialists adopt a preventative approach, working closely with families and educators to tailor support to each child’s unique needs.
As a result, their efforts aim to improve both educational and developmental outcomes, while providing equitable opportunities for all children in Massachusetts. Furthermore, by fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on specialized care, early intervention specialists lay a solid foundation for every child’s successful educational journey, making a significant impact on the state’s approach to early childhood education.
College Programs
Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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MA Special Education Initial Licensure for Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 )
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Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) or (5-12)
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ME.D Special Education – Moderate Disabilities (Initial License: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities: Pre-K-8)
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MEd Moderate Disabilities Pre-K-8 Initial Licensure
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M.Ed. Concentration Special Education, Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities
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MASTER OF EDUCATION – SPECIAL EDUCATION: MODERATE DISABILITIES
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Moderate Disabilities M.Ed (pre-k to 8)
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Master of Arts in Teaching Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)
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Master of Education in Teaching Special Education
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Moderate Disabilities Masters Degree (M.Ed.), PreK-8, Initial
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University of Massachusetts Boston
American International College
Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) Early Childhood
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MEd Moderate Disabilities – Licensure
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Springfield College
Early Childhood Education (Master’s Degree) *TOSD Licensure track
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Special Education with a Concentration in Teachers of Students with Moderate Disabilities (TSMD) License
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Bay Path University
Severe Disabilities (PreK-12) Professional Licensure Certificate
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MSEd in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Initial Licensure
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MSEd in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Autism Endorsement
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MSEd in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Autism Spectrum Disorders (Initial) Licensure Concentration, M.S
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MSEd in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Language and Literacy (Initial) Licensure Concentration
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MSEd in Special Education: Severe Disabilities Initial Licensure
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MSEd in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12 Language & Literacy (Initial) Licensure Concentration
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MSEd in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12/Autism Endorsement (Initial) Licensure Concentration
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MSEd in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12/Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Boston University
EdM in Curriculum & Teaching with Graduate Certificate in Specialization Areas – Special Education Severe Disabilities
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EdM in Special Education Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–Grade 8)
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EdM in Special Education Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Ages 3–21)
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Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Education (EdM) Moderate Disabilities prek-8
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Salem State
Early Childhood Education, Advanced Studies, Master of Education
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Advanced Studies in Special Education- Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Advanced Studies in Special Education- Emergent Literacy Cluster
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Advanced Studies in Special Education- Special Education Cluster
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MEd Special Education – Initial License
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Simmons University
Master of Science in Education: Autism Specialization with Severe Disabilities Licensure
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MSEd program in Special Education Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
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MSEd program in Special Education: Severe Disabilities (All Levels)
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Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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BA Education: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities Pre K-8
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BA or BS in Special Education
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B.A. Ed. Education: Elementary and Moderate Disabilities
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College of our Lady of the Elms
Lesley University
Community College Programs
Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Berkshire Community College
Certifications
Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certification
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Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Special Education: Positive Behavior Supports – Professional Licensure
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TEACHING BILINGUAL LEARNERS WITH DISABILITIES CERTIFICATE
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Add-On License in Moderate Disabilities
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Special Education/Moderate Disabilities Additional License (PreK-8, 5-12
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Certificate in Teaching Special Education
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Special Education- Initial License
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CAGS Special Education
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EdM in Curriculum & Teaching with Graduate Certificate in Specialization Areas – Special Education Prek-8 Moderate Disabilities
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Cape Cod Community College
Endicott College
Certificate in Special Education, Moderate Disabilities
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Certificate in Special Education,Severe Disabilities
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Lesley University
Licensure Only: Inclusive Special Education Initial License in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
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Licensure Only: Inclusive Special Education Initial License in Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
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Simmons University
Certificate: Severe Special Needs
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Moderate Special Needs Certificate
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Bay Path University
BA Severe Special Needs Licensure
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Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) Professional Licensure Certificate
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EdS in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Initial Licensure
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EdS in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Autism Endorsement (Initial) Licensure Concentration
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EdS in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Autism Spectrum Disorders (Initial) Licensure Concentration, EdS
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EdS in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Language and Literacy
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EdS in Special Education: Severe Disabilities Initial Licensure
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EdS in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12/ Autism Endorsement (Initial) Licensure Concentration
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EdS in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12/Autism Spectrum Disorders (Initial) Licensure Concentration, EdS
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EdS in Special Education: Severe Disabilities PreK-12/Language and Literacy
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EdS Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8/Professional Licensure Concentration
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EdS Severe Disabilities All Levels / Professional Licensure Concentration
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Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program (Online)
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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UMASS Amherst
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
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Springfield College
Tufts University
Undergraduate Programs
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Community College Programs
Associate’s Program
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Graduate Programs
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Scholarships & Grants
General Scholarships & Grants
Need based Grant – Amount: up to $2,500
The MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus programs are funded by the state Legislature and provide need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts.
In order to be eligible, students must be enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in any approved public or independent college, university, school of nursing, or any other approved institution. Similarly, the Maine State Grant Program—administered by FAME—provides need-based grants to Maine undergraduate students of all ages.
Tuition and general mandatory fees
If you are 25 or older, MassReconnect will pay for all your tuition and fees and will provide you with an allowance to cover your books and supplies. Additionally, all you have to do is apply to your local community college and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) or the Massachusetts equivalent (MASFA Sign In regenteducation.net).
Amount: $200
In Massachusetts, as in some other states, the number of part-time students has grown due to changes in demographic and economic conditions. More adults now find themselves needing to return to the classroom on a less-than-full-time basis. The continuous increase in college costs is also requiring more students to reconsider their enrollment plans and to look at part-time programs as viable alternatives.
Consequently, the Commonwealth has recognized the above needs and established the Part-Time Grant Program to serve as a bridge between higher education opportunities and those segments of the Massachusetts population.
Educator Scholarships & Grants
Amount: up to $7,500
The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools but wish to become certified as full-time teachers.
As a result, this grant is designed to reduce their financial burden and help address the Commonwealth’s current teacher shortage. Notably, financial need is not a requirement for the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant. However, recipients must annually file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Amount: up to $500
The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program was funded as a pilot initiative by the Legislature to increase the quality and availability of teachers and care providers to work with young children and youth in inclusive settings, including infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age programs.
Specifically, the scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood and out of school time educators and providers who enroll in a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, Child Care Administration, or fields that directly name early child development and its specific areas of inquiry.
General Scholarships & Grants
To begin with, colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. As a result, assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
In order to remain eligible, applicants must submit the FAFSA each year to maintain their financial aid status.
Specifically, the Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much aid a student may receive. In detail, these estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI). Then, officials use this figure to determine federal student aid eligibility.
To begin with, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as federal student loans. In particular, ED designed these loans to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.
For example, students may use this financial support to pay for expenses related to attending a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.
A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.
Initially, direct PLUS Loans help cover education expenses that other financial aid does not pay for. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education offers these loans to eligible graduate or professional students. In addition, they are available through schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program.
Firstly, this grant supports undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Specifically, the financial assistance office at each participating school administers it directly.
However, it is important to note that not all schools take part in this program.
Specifically, the program offers students part-time employment opportunities while they attend school. Moreover, it is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, both full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.
Moreover, participating schools administer the program and place a strong emphasis on civic education-related jobs. In particular, it prioritizes work connected to your course of study or civic engagement, whether on campus or in the community.
Educator Scholarships & Grants
Amount: $17,500
You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified special education teacher at the elementary or secondary level. Accordingly, your primary responsibility was providing special education to children with disabilities.
Moreover, you must have taught students with disabilities that align with your area of special education training. In addition, you must have demonstrated strong knowledge and teaching skills in the curriculum areas you taught.
Amount: $4,000/yr
The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants. In particular, it supports students who are completing or planning to complete the coursework required to start a career in teaching.
Speech & Language Pathologist Scholarships & Grants
Educator Career Development Grants
Amount: Up to $500
The Association of American Educators provides grants and scholarships for teachers. Specifically, grants can be used to purchase classroom supplies. Meanwhile, scholarships are available to support professional development.
The McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation offers academic enrichment grants and teacher development grants.
Supports professional development projects that directly and significantly benefit teachers’ students. However, application requirements vary by state.
Offers grants for teachers. These grants help fund participation in professional development programs, including summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad, and action research.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program helps U.S.-based educators bring international perspectives to their schools.
Specifically, it funds a one-year professional learning opportunity and an international exchange that lasts a few weeks.
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individual teachers and groups of teachers.
They support the integration of innovative pedagogical strategies that promote critical inquiry.
Furthermore, such interventions should include observations on how these strategies impact students.
To help students in the education field afford higher education, the sponsor offers financial support.
They believe educators have the power to spark positive change in students’ lives and shape their futures. Applicants must be current college students majoring in education.
Classroom Grants
Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Arts Fund supports art education at all levels.
Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Social-Emotional Wellness Fund supports teachers in addressing their students’ social-emotional wellness.
Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Inclusive Classroom Fund provides educators with the supplies they need to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Racial Equity in Schools Fund supports students and teachers of color by providing flexible funding for essential resources.
This includes multicultural books, professional development opportunities, school supplies, and financial support for equity-focused initiatives.
Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The STEM Fund supports science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives.
Amount: Up to $5,000
This program offers grants for K–12 educators to fund large special projects in their classrooms. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the project subject. However, each project must benefit more than fifteen students.
Amount: Up to $1,000
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation offers funding for art supplies, with a special focus on students who learn differently.
Amount: $2,000 to $25,000
Sponsored by Voya Financial, the Voya Unsung Heroes awards fund effective and innovative projects that improve student learning.
Amount: Two large supply boxes
Each teacher served will receive two large boxes of core school supplies. These supplies are designed to last for at least one semester. Each box includes pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens.
In addition, items are tailored to grade level. For example, younger grades receive crayons and markers, while older students get highlighters and colored pencils.
Amount: up to $750
The grant will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources. In particular, it supports projects that would otherwise not be covered by the school’s budget.
Amount: $500
AAE Foundation grants can be used for books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.
They may also cover other approved supplies or projects. However, funds must be spent within one year of the application deadline.
Teachers post their needs on the Donors Choose website and donors—both private individuals and big-name retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy—decide which requests to fund.
The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities (ETechM2) Program is to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
It does this by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology, and (2) supporting educational activities designed to provide value in the classroom.
In addition, it (3) funds captioning and video description suitable for classroom use, and (4) ensures children with disabilities receive accessible educational materials in a timely manner.
Amount: $500.00
The Special Education Resource Grants Program has delivered numerous benefits. As a result, it provides teachers with valuable resources to help students maximize their skills. In many cases, these resources have enabled students to read, write, and even speak for the first time.
Amount: $1,000
The Awesome Foundation is a global community dedicated to promoting creativity and innovation.
Founded during the long summer days of 2009 in Boston, the foundation awards $1,000 grants—no strings attached—to support unique projects and their creators. At each chapter, funds are pooled from around ten self-organizing “micro-trustees.”
These contributions are then given directly to recipients in cash, check, or even gold doubloons.