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Encouraging Young People to Dream Boldly.

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A Note About Our Mission 

We encourage graduating seniors to think boldly, dream honestly, and to articulate a meaningful vision for the lives they hope to build.

The First Draft Foundation exists to celebrate students who have taken the time to think carefully about the future they hope to create. Our goal is not simply to recognize academic achievement, but to encourage young people who demonstrate purpose, preparation, and the courage to author their own next chapter. To boldly write their first draft.

We believe communities become stronger when they invest in the hopes, ideas, and aspirations of their young people.

Hope in Action

We envision communities where young people are encouraged not only to dream, but to think deeply about the lives they hope to build.

A Shared Vision

We believe that one thoughtful conversation, one well-written application, one act of encouragement, or one grant can become the beginning of a remarkable life story.

The Beginning

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Postsecondary Optionality Through Intentionality.

The future isn't found. It's authored.

Every remarkable future begins with a first draft.

Students who think deeply about tomorrow make better decisions today.

A goal without a plan is only a wish.

One thoughtful conversation can change a student's trajectory.

People who write down their goals are about 42% more likely to achieve them than those who keep them only in their heads.

Support Our Mission 

Make a Difference Today

Donate

Every meaningful future begins with a first draft. Your gift helps young people take the time to imagine, articulate, and pursue a thoughtful path beyond high school—whether that leads to college, serving our country, the skilled trades, entrepreneurship, public service, or another purposeful calling. Together, we can reward intentionality, celebrate courage, and encourage students to author futures that reflect their unique talents and aspirations. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps provide grants that recognize young people who have chosen to move forward with purpose.

Volunteer Opportunities

We're seeking accomplished professionals from every walk of life to volunteer as 'Career Windows.' Through occasional Zoom discussions, you'll share your experiences, answer students' questions, and provide a glimpse into the opportunities, challenges, and rewards of your profession. Whether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, artist, educator, physician, skilled tradesperson, military veteran, public servant, or anything else, your story may inspire a young person to discover a path they had never before considered. Help us expand the horizons on tomorrow—a conversation at a time.

Partnership Opportunities

The First Draft Foundation partners with schools that share our belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thoughtfully consider life beyond graduation. Partner schools are invited to nominate graduating seniors whose applications demonstrate intentionality, originality, and a well-considered vision for their future. These students become eligible for First Draft Foundation grants, recognizing not only academic achievement, but the courage to author a purposeful path forward. Together, we can encourage young people to approach the future with curiosity, confidence, and intention.

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We Need Your Support!

By supporting The First Draft Foundation, you're investing in graduating seniors who have demonstrated the vision, intentionality, and courage to begin writing a thoughtful first draft of their future. Your generosity helps fund educational grants that enable recipients to take the next meaningful step toward the lives they have thoughtfully envisioned.

Grant funds may be used only for qualified educational expenses that directly support a recipient's proposed path, including tuition, technical or vocational training, certification programs, required tools and equipment, artistic supplies, educational preparation for service to our country, and other approved educational purposes consistent with the Foundation's mission.

The First Draft Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. A donation receipt will be emailed to you promptly following your contribution for your records and tax purposes.

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Get in Touch

We’re Here to Help

Call Us

618-727-1233

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