Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant

Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant is sponsored by Massachusetts Office of State Treasurer and Receiver General. This grant supports Massachusetts high schools in running financial education fairs, also known as “Credit for Life Fairs,” to help students explore real-life budgeting and money management. Applications for the 2025-26 school year are open.

The Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant helps Massachusetts high schools bring financial education to life by supporting new or ongoing financial education fairs. This grant is designed to benefit high school students, many of whom are beginning to earn income, take out loans, and make financial decisions that could impact them for years.

Also known as "Credit for Life" fairs, these fun and hands-on simulations teach high school students how to budget, save, and make real-world financial decisions. During the fair, students select a career, receive a monthly income, and navigate expenses like housing, transportation, groceries, and retirement savings. The fair format is flexible and can be tailored to fit your school's size and population.

Past grantees have successfully hosted fairs of all sizes and have adapted the experience to fit the learning styles, abilities, and needs of their students.

Applicants must be one of the following: * Massachusetts public or charter high school * Massachusetts special education program approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education * Massachusetts Education Collaborative, as outlined under the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 4E Applicants may only receive one grant per school year.

Grantees will be selected through a publicly advertised application process through the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office. An internal selection process will be conducted based on several criteria. The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify compliance with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.

L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act.

Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. ### Which Type of Applicant Are You? **Schools that have over 50% of a student population considered low-to-moderate income, as designated by the****Department of Elementary and Secondary Education****, can apply for additional funding of $500.

** Unsure of your category? Contact us atempowerment@tre. state.

ma. us. Applications for the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant are now open and will close on November 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Please submit your application via the Foundant portal. **New to Foundant? **View our Getting Started with Foundant Guide.

Have questions about your eligibility or application category? Need help with Foundant? Join us for office hours starting October 15th and running until the final week of the application cycle.

Contact empowerment@tre. state. ma.

us for more information. ### What are the criteria required to apply, and how does the selection process work? * Applicants must be a Massachusetts public or charter high school or a Massachusetts special education program approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

* The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify compliance with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G. L. c.

40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. * Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to providing a financial literacy education program for their students.

Innovation and Continuation applicants must show due diligence in expanding and enhancing their existing programs. * Applicants must complete all required application documents, W-9 form, Standard Contract/Terms and Conditions, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form to receive the grant. ### If the applicant decides not to host a financial education fair, can they use the funds for other financial education opportunities?

No, grant monies must be used to provide a financial education fair. If grantees decide not to host a fair, grant monies must be returned to OEE. ### When will grantees receive the funds?

Grant payments will be disbursed upon receipt of proper submission of W-9 form, Standard Contract/Terms and Conditions, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form. _Required forms will be provided by Treasury with the award notification. Only the forms provided will be accepted.

_ ### What are the criteria and restrictions for how I can use the grant funds?

The following are allowable costs: * Stipends for eligible individuals * Professional development registration costs * In-state travel for professional development activities * Supplies, materials, and books specifically for program improvement for students with IEPs * Supplies, collateral, printing, and reproduction of training materials * Computer hardware or software, including licenses * Rentals, venue, and catering costs ### Are multiple schools eligible to participate in this initiative together?

Yes, multiple schools can participate, or “host,” a fair together, but only one school will receive the grant funding and be considered the applicant. * Apply as a school district * Apply as a single school and invite other participating schools to their financial education fair Applicants are not able to receive more funding for additional schools participating in their financial education fair.

All costs associated with inviting students from other schools and districts must be either funded through the $3,200 or $6,400 grant award or outside funding. ### What if my school is unable to host a fair by itself? Will the Office of Economic Empowerment help us plan and host a financial education fair?

Unfortunately, the Office of Economic Empowerment is unable to plan or host a fair on a school’s behalf. Schools are encouraged to connect with outside organizations, such as non-profits and financial institutions, if hosting a fair is not possible. ### Who can fill out forms and documents associated with this grant?

Grant application materials (online application, program design, and budget & narrative forms) can be completed by the Fair Coordinator or a Grant Writer. Following grant award notification, only individuals authorized as legal representatives of the applicant may sign contracts, W-9 forms, and other legally binding documents relating to this grant.

The Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form must be signed by the President (or Superintendent), Chief Executive Officer, Chief Fiscal Officer, Corporate Clerk, or Legal Counsel from your school district authorizing individuals listed to sign contracts and other legally binding documents on the grantee’s behalf.