The 2025 pilot validated the GIFTS Foundation model, confirming the greatest need

is among students in grades 5–12, which is now our primary focus moving forward.

2025 Pilot Impact

A validated pilot demonstrating demand, execution, and a scalable model for multi-city expansion.

  • 106 students equipped with essential backpacks (2025)

    Validated demand, partnerships, and execution model

  • 40 winter coats provided (2025)

    Ensured students were prepared for colder months

  • 1 city served: Stamford (2025)

    Established a controlled, repeatable model for expansion

  • 1 pilot program completed (2025)

    Tested sourcing, logistics, coordination, and reporting

  • Primary focus identified: Grades 5–12 (2025)

    Targeting the highest-impact student group

  • 20 volunteers activated (2025)

    Validated scalable volunteer engagement

  • 5 sponsors secured (2025)

    Confirmed early trust and partnership potential

These results confirm a proven model, trusted partnerships, and a strong foundation for multi-city expansion in 2026.

2026 Roadmap

A structured plan to scale impact across Connecticut, from pilot to multi-city execution.

  • January 2026

    • GIFTS Foundation 501(c)(3) approved

    • Website and social presence launched

    • Pilot results documented

    • Impact metrics finalized for public reporting

  • February 2026

    • Grant applications submitted (early-cycle focus)

    • Local leadership engaged for alignment

    • Community partners secured to identify students

    • Supply sourcing confirmed (backpacks, supplies, coats, hats, gloves)

  • March 2026

    • Sponsor outreach campaign launched

    • Corporate and foundation meetings scheduled

    • Fundraiser planning finalized

    • Event documentation strategy confirmed

  • April 2026

    • Corporate sponsorship outreach accelerated

    • Key partnership agreements initiated

    • Volunteer recruitment campaign launched

    • City expansion strategy finalized

  • May 2026

    • Sponsor commitments finalized

    • Vendor pricing locked

    • Distribution logistics mapped by city

  • June 2026

    • Volunteer recruitment and confirmations completed

    • Storage and assembly locations secured

    • Final student counts confirmed per city

  • July 2026

    • Student lists finalized through partner schools

    • Volunteer leadership assigned per city

    • Distribution calendar finalized and communicated

  • August 2026

    • All backpacks, supplies, coats, hats, and gloves ordered

  • September 2026

    • Inventory received and verified

    • Volunteer schedules finalized

  • October 2026

    • Weekly backpack assembly begins

    • Content captured for reporting and sponsors

  • November 2026

    • Backpack assembly continues

    • Initial city distribution executed

  • December 2026

    • Distribution expanded to additional cities

    • Year-end impact reporting and sponsor recaps delivered

This roadmap is already in motion. Now we’re securing the partners to scale it.

Now we’re building the partnerships that make this possible.

GIFTS Foundation, Connecticut, USA.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

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