Our History
See how Grow Together Initiative grew from a Connecticut effort into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing financial literacy and mentorship to youth nationwide.
Our History
From a local Connecticut effort to a nationwide movement for youth financial literacy.
Grow Together Initiative began in Killingworth, Connecticut, with a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves to understand how money works. What started as a local effort to bring practical financial education to kids and teens has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving young people and families through financial literacy programs, scholarships, mentorship, and community events across the country. Along the way, one thing has never changed: our commitment to helping young people grow.
How GTI Started
Founder Brad Fulner launched Grow Together Initiative after recognizing how rarely young people are taught the money skills adulthood demands. Budgeting, saving, credit, and investing shape nearly every decision we make, yet these lessons are too often missing from the classroom. GTI was created to close that gap by making financial education accessible, practical, and engaging for the next generation, and by surrounding young people with mentors and role models who want to see them succeed.
Growing the Mission
What began with local conversations and community workshops quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, Grow Together Initiative unites mentors, educators, volunteers, families, and business partners around three pillars of impact: scholarships that open doors to college and trade school, mentorship that connects youth with experienced professionals, and community events that bring people together to learn, connect, and celebrate. Through GTI TV, our media platform, we share inspiring stories, educational conversations, and real-world money lessons that carry the mission far beyond any single classroom or community.
A Movement Built on Collaboration
From day one, GTI has believed that lasting change happens when people work together. Every workshop taught, scholarship awarded, and mentorship formed represents neighbors, businesses, and families choosing to invest in young people side by side. That spirit of shared purpose is written into our name, and it continues to guide every decision we make as we grow.
Be Part of Our Story
Our history is still being written, and we invite you to help shape the next chapter. Whether you volunteer, mentor, donate, or partner with Grow Together Initiative, your support helps kids, teens, and young adults across the country build the knowledge, confidence, and purpose they need to step into successful financial futures. Together, we grow.