Hello to you all, and I hope you are enjoying the summer so far!

I’ve been fortunate to have known many of you my entire life. If you’re reading this, you probably fall into one of the following groups:

• We attended elementary through high school together.

• We competed with or against each other in numerous sports.

• You were part of my upbringing in Southeastern CT.

• We attended college together or formed long-lasting friendships here in the New York City area.

• Or, you happened to come across this post and believe in supporting our community.

Five years ago, I started the Foundation Growth Initiative (FGI) with the goal of providing mentoring, networking, and new opportunities for 16-22-year-old African American men, focusing on Southeastern Connecticut. This upcoming academic year, I aim to expand our reach to the NY metropolitan area as well.

Over the past five years, FGI has been able to provide financial assistance to our mentees through grants for prep school costs, purchasing athletic gear for those in need, SAT prep classes, college athletic showcase camp expenses, and the establishment of a mentoring and networking lunch-and-learn program.

I am asking for your help. FGI needs your sponsorship to continue providing assistance for the following initiatives and programs for the 2024-2025 academic and athletic calendar:

• Scholarships and grants for the 2024-2025 school year

• SAT prep workshops

• College athletic recruiting showcase expenses

• Lunch and learn career seminars

We are proud to be an established 501(c)(3), where all of your donations are tax-deductible. Your support will directly impact these young men, helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals. Together, we can provide them with the gift of opportunity.

Please help FGI invest in these young men to provide them with the gift of opportunity.

Thank You,

Brian Hopkins - Director

Foundation Growth Initiative