We help students survive today and shape the systems that shape their tomorrow.
Foundation Forty is a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to equipping students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive academically, financially, and civically.
We bridge the gap between students facing financial stress and their peers with greater economic access by providing immediate financial relief, financial literacy tools, and pathways to civic engagement and advocacy.
Foundation Forty exists to ensure that no student has to choose between surviving today and building power for tomorrow.
Students gain the resources to succeed today while building the skills and networks to advocate, lead, and create equal opportunities for all.
Foundation Forty is not charity. This is an investment in the leaders who will reshape the systems that shape their lives.
How It Works
Three pillars of student empowerment
Direct financial relief + civic engagement tools
Peer-led organizing at your school
Turn lived experience into lasting change
From Student Stories to Real Change
Foundation Forty's Policy Pipeline is where student experiences become real change. We turn lived experiences into policy action that improves schools and communities.
How the Pipeline Works
Gather Student Stories
Through surveys, we collect stories from students navigating financial stress and identify the barriers they face in their daily lives.
Collaborate with Experts
Using this data, we work alongside school board members to draft resolutions that can be introduced to local school boards.
Shape Real Proposals
Chapters hold discussions to shape the proposals, ensuring they reflect real student voices and address actual problems students face.
Create Lasting Change
The pipeline creates a direct path from lived experiences to policy action, helping students turn frustration into reforms that improve their schools and communities.
Why the Policy Pipeline Matters
Real Solutions
Policies based on actual student experiences, not assumptions about what students need
Student Voice
Every policy proposal starts with student experiences and is shaped by student voices throughout
Why the Policy Pipeline Matters
Real Solutions
Policies based on actual student experiences, not assumptions about what students need
Student Voice
Ensures students have a direct say in the policies that affect their education and lives
Systemic Change
Addresses root causes rather than just symptoms of educational inequity
Start a Chapter at Your School
Through peer-led chapters, students organize finance workshops, civic circles, and policy actions that turn lived experiences into real policy change in schools and local government.
What Chapter Leaders Do
Host Finance Workshops
Teach practical financial skills with the Finance Foundation booklet and real-world tips on budgeting, financial aid, and money management
Run Civic Circles
Facilitate discussions about local issues, connect students to elected officials, and organize around upcoming elections
Distribute Power Packs
Get financial relief and civic engagement tools directly into the hands of students who need them
Lead Policy Actions
Turn lived experiences into real policy change by gathering student stories and working with the Policy Pipeline
What's Inside Every Power Pack
Every Power Pack includes a forty network card that connects students to tutoring, resume reviews, internship and employment opportunities, local elected officials, upcoming elections, and ways to get involved in advocacy.
Real Power Packs ready to be distributed to students
Everything You Get
Forty Prepaid Card
$40 prepaid card for immediate needs. No strings attached. Use it for groceries, gas, textbooks, or whatever you need most.
Finance Foundation Booklet
A 9-page guide written by students for students with practical tips on budgeting, navigating financial aid, and building money management skills.
Forty Network Card
Connects you to tutoring, resume reviews, internship and employment opportunities, local elected officials, upcoming elections, and ways to get involved in advocacy.
Civic Engagement Resources
Tools and information to help you register to vote, learn about local candidates, and get involved in shaping policy that affects your life.
Why Power Packs Work
Immediate Relief
$40 can cover a week of groceries, a tank of gas, or emergency supplies
Long-term Skills
Financial literacy resources that build lasting money management skills
Civic Connection
Links to local organizing and policy advocacy opportunities
Invest in Student Power
Every donation directly funds Power Packs, chapter resources, and policy advocacy. We believe in transparency — here's exactly where your money goes.
$40
Power Pack Sponsor
Where Your Money Goes
Direct Student Support
Power Packs, emergency funds, and immediate financial relief
Chapter & Program Support
Materials, training, and resources for student organizers
Operations & Advocacy
Policy research, legal support, and organizational infrastructure