What is TINT?
TINT awards $25,000 grants to exceptional individuals at life inflection points, plus provides a personal coach and access to experts in personal finance, entrepreneurship, career, and more to support recipients and help them achieve their goals. General use cases for the funds are educational (tuition, childcare, transportation), entrepreneurship (seed capital to start a business), vocational (transportation, childcare), and life experiences (income supplementation), but are not limited to those buckets.

 

Why did we create TINT?

We started TINT because we see how the deck is stacked against many people. They just need a little support to break through to the next stage of their lives. We want to help create generational wealth.

 
What does TINT stand for?
It stands for “This Is Not TUGG.” TUGG (Technology Underwriting Greater Good) is the nonprofit that paved the way for TINT to become reality. From 2008 to 2021, TUGG connected New England tech entrepreneurs and companies with start-up nonprofits serving local youth. TUGG put over a million dollars behind nonprofits like InnerCity Weightlifting, Resilient Coders, Catie’s Closet, First Teacher, Scholars for Sitters, More than Words, and Y2Y Homeless (among dozens of others). In 2022 TINT became the primary programming work of TUGG.

Who are you people?
We all work in Boston’s tech industry in some way, from founders to investors to operators. But we prefer that the focus be on you and your success, so we are staying under the radar by design. The application and selection process as well as the TINT project grants and programming will be kept private.  

 

Who are the coaches and how are they matched with recipients?

TINT coaches are all founders and leaders of successful Boston-based companies. Applicants are matched with coaches during the finalist interview process to make sure each party wants to work together. 

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Who should apply?
Anyone who needs financial help to get past the obstacles to meeting the goals for your life. All ages, genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, and more are welcome. If you’re willing to be open and honest with us, you’re a good candidate. You should be motivated, ambitious, accountable, and resilient.  

 

How do I apply?
Applying for a TINT grant is simple; all you need is a phone. You will use this form to submit a video answering the questions below. That’s it!

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Our goal is to make this application process as streamlined and simple as possible, but to do that we need 100% transparency and authenticity from you. There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. It is helpful to us if you are specific about your goals and plans if you were to receive a TINT grant. But most importantly, we are interested in your genuine truth, not production value. We won’t mislead you, so please don’t mislead us: the only automatic disqualifiers are if you lie to us or don’t tell us about important parts of your life.

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Semi-finalist candidates will have in-person interviews; finalist candidates will also meet with a potential coach and are subject to confirmatory background checks.

 

If you have applied previously, you can reapply after a 6 month period. This time limit is to ensure that there’s enough time for things to change on both your side and ours from the last time we heard from you. Applications submitted within 6 months of a previous application will not be accepted.

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We provided expectations of time to spend around each element of the video. Overall your video should be no more than 5 minutes long. 

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The interview questions:

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1. Tell us about yourself and your goals. Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from today?  <Be specific about your goals, if you can. 2-3 minutes>

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2. What is one word that best describes you and why?  <1 minute>

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How do I make the best video?

It is helpful to us if you are specific about your goals and plans for how you might use the TINT grant. But most importantly we want to see the genuine, authentic you. We do not expect *any* level of production or polish in your video. We specifically chose an application process reliant on video because we know that your authentic self will shine through. Turn on the camera, and say what you want to say. It won't be perfect, but it will be you, and that's what we care about.

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If I’m not selected, can I apply again?
Yes, you can reapply as many times as you like, as long as you wait six months before your next application. This time limit is to ensure that there’s enough time for things to change on both your side and ours from the last time we heard from you.  Applications submitted within 6 months of a previous application will not be accepted.

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What do I get if I’m selected?
You will be matched with a coach that you can engage with regularly as you work towards your goals. Coaches help you work through and problem solve around specific challenges or roadblocks - the expected and unexpected. You will also receive $25,000, paid out in monthly installments or via direct assistance (like paying your tuition). You will also receive access to additional expert resources in personal finance, career, and entrepreneurship. If you don’t have a bank account, or if you’re worried about losing your benefits, we will work together to ensure you can receive the funds.

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If I’m accepted, what do I have to do?
We want to be a resource to help you achieve your goals and be ready for you when you need us, not stand in your way. There are no paperwork or online forms / reporting requirements.  That said, you will be matched with a coach and do expect regular engagement between you and your coach around how you’re doing on your goals and what challenges you’re facing (so we can help you work through them). Your coach will also introduce you to our expert network when needed, to help with specific personal finance or business/career advice, etc.

 

Does the $25,000 count as taxable income? 
Good news if you’re the recipient—any money given to you as a gift doesn’t count as income on your taxes if it’s less than $15,000 annually. We spread the $25,000 over a two-year period to avoid any potential tax liabilities for you as the recipient. We will also work with you to make sure our grant doesn’t trigger a loss of government assistance, or otherwise disadvantage you.