What is TINT?

TINT awards $25,000 grants, paid monthly over the course of 2 years, to exceptional individuals at life inflection points - a moment when your life could go in a new direction. We also offer optional access to experts in personal finance, mental health, career, physical fitness, and more to support recipients and help them achieve their goals. ​​

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How can a TINT recipient use the funds?

Past recipients have used the funds for educational (tuition, childcare, transportation), entrepreneurship (seed capital to start a business), vocational (transportation, childcare), and life experiences (income supplementation). However, uses are not limited to those buckets. 

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What if our goals change throughout the 2-year period? Will I still receive the grant?

Yes, you will still receive the grant. The TINT funds are not fixed for any specific use. They are yours to spend in any way that furthers your goals, or to help you unblock obstacles towards your goals. 

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If I’m accepted, what do I have to do?

There are no paperwork or online forms / reporting requirements for TINT grants, but we do expect regular engagement between you and our team around how you’re doing on your goals and what challenges you’re facing (so we can help you work through them). We will introduce you to our expert network when needed, to help with specific personal finance or business/career advice, etc.

 

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.

 

How is the grant money distributed?

You will receive $25,000, paid out in monthly installments over 2 years, or roughly $1,040 a month for 24 months, by direct deposit to your bank.

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Does the $25,000 count as taxable income? 

Good news —any money received from TINT is considered a short-term gift and doesn’t count as income on your taxes.

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Will the grant affect any benefits I receive (SNAP, housing, etc)?

It should not, but please tell us about your benefits so we can ensure there are no repercussions. 
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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 to apply.* 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 upload a video answering the questions below. That’s it!

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There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. We only ask for 100% transparency and authenticity from you.

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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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We provided expectations of time to spend around each element of the video. Your entire 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 a video application process so you can do it anytime, anywhere, and 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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Are application videos private?

Yes, all videos submitted are kept secure, private, and totally confidential within TINT. We will never release or use your video for any other purpose other than the application process. Videos from past application periods are destroyed.

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What is the process after applying?

All applicants receive confirmation via text message that their application was received, and all applicants will receive a text message about the status of their application. Semi-finalist candidates will have phone interviews; finalist candidates will have in-person interviews.

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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 six months of a previous application will not be accepted.

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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).

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In 2021 TUGG began to make grants directly to individuals, establishing TINT as a program. TINT is now the primary programming of TUGG.

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Who is behind TINT?

TINT’s founding team 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.

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How do I know TINT is real?

TINT is a program of TUGG (Technology Underwriting Greater Good), a nonprofit that was founded in 2008. Our EIN is 27-0960868, and you can learn more at tugg.org.

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We will never ask you to pay anything or share a password. During the application process, we will communicate by text. Grant recipients will have specific, primary TINT contacts to communicate with, and you will never be contacted by anyone without giving consent or being informed first.

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