The Philanthropic Initiative

The Philanthropic Initiative leads scholarship and college success work that helps young people succeed and thrive, with a focus on leveling the playing field for students facing financial and other barriers to higher education. Since 1999, TPI has partnered with foundations, companies, and other funders to create scholarship and college success programs serving students throughout the United States and beyond. Its approach extends beyond conventional scholarship administration: TPI has developed more intensive college success models that combine flexible financial resources with mentoring, academic support, peer networking, and enrichment opportunities. This work is aimed especially at students who may be the first generation in their family to attend college and who face significant challenges in completing a degree and pursuing post-graduate interests. TPI designs, manages, and administers a wide range of named programs with distinct eligibility criteria and geographies. Examples include the Ann Theodore Foundation Scholarship Program for students from Roosevelt and North Babylon, New York, and Manchester, New Hampshire; the Arisdine Krikorian Scholarship for Massachusetts residents of Armenian descent and/or students pursuing Armenian studies; and the Santos Family Scholarship for first-generation college students and immigrants and/or children of immigrants from Brockton High School. Its portfolio also includes specialized programs such as the Mary Cafolla Wallace Nursing Scholarship Program for Massachusetts adults pursuing a second career in nursing, the Stephen D. Paine Scholarship for students in their final year in studio art programs at colleges in Boston, and the GRAD Last Mile Fund for colleges and universities seeking to support students nearing graduation. Across these programs, TPI serves students, educational institutions, and philanthropic funders through a structured model of scholarship design, program management, and college success support.