Massachusetts has opened the 2027 Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant for eligible high schools, approved special education programs, and education collaboratives to run or expand Credit for Life financial education fairs. Applications are due October 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM through the Commonwealth’s Foundant portal.
Funding
Seed applicants planning a financial education fair for the first time may request up to $4,000. Innovation and Continuation applicants enhancing or expanding an existing fair may request up to $2,000. Eligible special education or collaborative programs, and schools with more than 50% of students designated by DESE as low-to-moderate income, may request an additional $500.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are Massachusetts public or charter high schools, Massachusetts special education programs approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Massachusetts Education Collaboratives under Chapter 40, Section 4E. Applicants may receive only one grant per school year. Receipt of funds is contingent on required Massachusetts-law compliance, including applicable MBTA Communities Act certification.
Eligible costs and restrictions
Allowable costs include eligible stipends, professional development registration, substitute teachers, in-state professional-development travel, supplies and materials, program-improvement materials for students with IEPs, printing and training materials, computer hardware or software including licenses, rentals, venue costs, and catering. Grant funds must be used to provide a financial education fair. If the fair is not held, grant funds must be returned.
Application requirements
Applicants submit through the Foundant portal. The Commonwealth states that application materials may be completed by the Fair Coordinator or a grant writer. After award, legally binding documents must be signed by an authorized applicant representative. Required award documents include the W-9, Standard Contract/Terms and Conditions, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form.
Atlas assessment
Atlas Opportunity Score: 84/100. School/Education Funding Score: 96/100. N9+ Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The opportunity is strong school funding but is specifically intended for financial education fairs, so Atlas should not force a healthcare or N9+ fit. Dr. Miltie, LLC is not a direct eligible applicant. Organization-specific outreach should focus on legitimately eligible Massachusetts schools and collaboratives and should verify applicant category and prior Innovation Fund history before describing the applicable award amount.