The Ignite Futures Fund gives young people the opportunity to build wealth and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The Ignite Futures Fund is led by Impact Charitable in partnership with Gary Community Ventures and a coalition of funders in Colorado and across the country.

Here's How It Works

250 high school sophomores and juniors from across Colorado will be selected to take part in this one-of-a-kind pilot. If you're chosen, you’ll join one of two tracks:

Accelerate Track – 100 Students

• Access $20,000 that will be invested and can be used for wealth-building purposes
• Receive two-years of financial education to help you use your investment wisely
• Build the confidence and skills to grow wealth—now and long-term

Spark Track – 150 Students

• Earn money for completing surveys and joining focus groups
• Help us learn about the experiences and needs of young people
• Compete in our yearly Stock Market Competition. The winner of the competition will receive $500. 

About the Accelerate Track 

Those selected for the Accelerate Track will receive a $20,000 investment account to jump-start their future. 

But, this isn't just free money. Students will take part in a required two-year financial education program that teaches them how to use these funds wisely to reach their biggest goals and dreams. This course will also help students learn the ways in which they can build long-term wealth. 

Additionally, all participants selected for this program will be required to participate in surveys and possible interviews to learn about their experience and the impact of this pilot on their life. This information will be critical in helping us to understand how we may be able to bring this type of opportunity to other young people across the state. 

After completing the financial education program, students can choose to use their money for one of four life-changing purposes:

• Education or job training to support long-term careers 
• Buying a home to build long-term wealth
• Starting or buying a business 
• Saving for retirement or future investments to secure their future

About the Spark Track 

Those selected for the Spark Track will be paid to complete surveys and participate in interviews or focus groups for us to learn more about their experience.

Additionally, they will be given the chance to join our annual Stock Market Competition. The Stock Market Competition provides students with access to an investment simulator where they will invest (pretend) money in stocks, see how those stocks perform in real-time, and see how their investments stack up against their peers. The winner of the annual competition will get $500.

This competition will run every year through 2030, so Spark Track participants have multiple years to compete and win!

We believe every young person deserves a fair shot at building wealth, no matter where they come from. Through this pilot program, we want to show how giving young people access to money can change their outlook, open new doors, and help them chase bigger opportunities.

Our ultimate goal is to inspire permanent policy change that provides all young people  with the opportunity to build wealth and support choice-filled lives. 

To be eligible for the Ignite Futures Fund, you must: 

• Be a sophomore or junior in high school. If you are not currently enrolled in high school, you must be 16 years of age at the time of application. 
• Live in the State of Colorado
• Currently be covered by Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). If you are not currently covered by these programs, you can still apply if you are under 260% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (this means you meet the CHP+ income requirements) 

Approximate Monthly Income to Qualify:

If your family qualifies for programs like Free or Reduced Lunch, SNAP, Colorado Works (TANF), or other public benefits, it is very likely you meet the income requirements for this pilot, even if you’re not on Medicaid or CHP+.

If you have questions about your eligibility, you can visit our website for frequently asked questions here: www.impactcharitable.org/igniteFAQ.

This program is open to anyone, regardless of their immigration status. For more information about how your data is protected, review our frequently asked questions here: www.impactcharitable.org/igniteFAQ. 

If you think you might be eligible for the Ignite Futures Fund, you will need to complete an application and show proof you meet the eligibility requirements.

This application is expected to take around 30-35 minutes to complete. You can stop your application and return to it at any time by clicking on the "Save" icon at the bottom of the screen and emailing yourself a link to your application or creating an account. However, once you submit your application you cannot make any changes. 

This application does not auto-save, so make sure you save regularly!

If you have questions or need assistance applying, please email ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505. It may take up to 48 hours to receive a response, so make sure to reach out early!

Documents You'll Need to Upload

• Proof of identity 
• Proof of grade
• Proof of residency (that you live in Colorado)
• Proof you are on Medicaid, CHP+ or meet the income requirements

You may need documents or information from your parents or guardians in order to complete this application. Click next to see more detail about what you will need. 

Proof of identity:

• You must provide one photo identification such as a driver’s license, permit, passport, etc.
• If you do not have one of those IDs, you can also upload a school ID and birth certificate.
• This ID must have your full name, date of birth, and your photo. 

 Proof of grade:

• You must provide one proof that you are currently a high school sophomore or junior such as a school transcript, enrollment letter, or official letter from your school administrator.
• This document must have your full name, be dated, and indicate your grade-level for the current school year.
• If you are 16 years of age--but not enrolled in school--then you will be asked to confirm you are out of school later in the application. 

Proof of address:

• You must provide one proof of address, such as a school enrollment letter, transcript, driver’s license, benefits letter, or a piece of official mail.
• This document must have your full name and your current address. It cannot be a P.O. Box, it must be a proof of address for a physical address. 
• If you are in temporary or transitional housing, we will work with you to ensure you can still apply, even if you don’t have one of the above documents (please email ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505 to discuss more).

Proof you are on Medicaid, CHP+, or meet the income requirements:

• You must provide proof you are currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+, such as a benefits enrollment letter or print-off from the PEAK website. This document must have your name listed and show you are currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+. You cannot use a picutre of your Medicaid/CHP+ card!
• If you are not on Medicaid or CHP+, you will be asked to provide another proof of income.
• You likely will need your parent or guardian's help with getting these documents, unless you have a PEAK account.
• For a list of accepted documents, visit our 'How to Apply' information sheet here. 

Still have questions?

You can see the full list of documents on our How to Apply information sheet here. To access the How To Apply flyer in languages other than English, please select your preferred language here:

• Spanish / Español
• Haitian Creole / Kreyòl Ayisyen
• French / Français
• Somali / Soomaali
• Kinyarwanda / Ikinyarwanda
• Akateko

If you think you may be eligible, please collect all required documents before starting your application. This will save time and avoid frustration for you. All documents must be accurate in order for an application to be final. 

Please also make sure all documentation is clear, and easy to read. Incorrect or blurry documents will delay the processing of your application. 

Completing an application is the first step in the process. There are five key stages of the application, selection, and enrollment process. 

Step 1: Complete and submit this application by February 22, 2026 at 11:59pm MST. Applications submitted after this date or incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Step 2: Check your email for a link to our baseline survey. You will receive this email by mid-February. You must complete the baseline survey by March 10, 2026 at 11:59pm MST. If you don’t receive a copy of the baseline survey, please email ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-650

Step 3: If you submitted both your application and the baseline survey by the deadlines, we will review all applications and randomly select 100 young people for the Accelerate Track and 150 people for the Spark Track. 

Step 4: If you are selected for one of these tracks, you will be notified by March 30, 2026. Those in the Accelerate Track will be invited to meet with an Impact Charitable team member or partner to enroll. All enrollment will occur in-person in your local community, and must be done with you the applicant and your guardian or parent.  If you are not selected or waitlisted, you will also be notified by March 30, 2026. 

Step 5: If you enroll in the program, you will be invited to a kick-off meeting in April or May where you will learn more about the program, requirements, and journey over the coming years. 

If you have more questions before you continue to the application, you can visit our website for more information here: www.impactcharitable.org/ignite.

If you want help applying or have questions not answered on the website, we can support you. Email us at ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505. 

What is the application period?

The application will open on January 12, 2026 and close at 11:59pm Mountain Time on February 22, 2026. 

How can I get support applying or help with questions I may have?

We have a full support team and partners who are willing to help with anything you need. Just email us at ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505. We may take up to 48 hours to reply, so reach out early!

Why do I have to complete a baseline survey after I submit my application? How will that information be used?

After you submit your application, you’ll get an email with a baseline survey, no later than the second week of February. Everyone who applies must fill it out. The survey helps us understand young people's current circumstances, needs, and plans. If you are selected for the program, we'll ask similar questions throughout the program to see what's changed and how the program is helping participants. Your answers will not affect whether you get into the program — we just need this starting information to understand the program’s impact over time.

What is the selection process?

The Ignite Futures Fund is committed to ensuring a fair and just selection process. Once an applicant submits an application and completes the baseline survey, we will assess if they meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Amongst those who are determined as eligible, our project team will use a lottery to randomly 100 participants for the Accelerate Track and 150 participants for the Spark Track. This means that not every person who applies and is eligible will be selected. If someone who was selected decides not to enroll, another participant will be selected to take the slot.

When will I know if I have been selected?

Applicants will be notified if they have been selected to enroll, waitlisted, or not selected for the program by March 30, 2026.  

Who is running this pilot? 

This pilot is being led by Impact Charitable, which is a non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado. Impact Charitable is partnering with Gary Community Ventures and a coalition of private funders to support this work. Our mission is to help all communities thrive by ensuring people have the resources and opportunities they need for a just, equitable, and sustainable future. Impact Charitable has moved more than $100 million into communities across the United States and supported over 29,000 individuals and families in Colorado. Our goal is to strengthen families’ financial security and resilience, and put them on a path toward long-term wealth building.

Do I need to be a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen to participate?

Applicants do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Anyone, regardless of your immigration status, can apply if you meet the eligibility requirements. For anyone seeking to become a permanent resident in the United States, this program will not count towards the public charge test based on the current federal government policy. Furthermore, we will collect no information related to someone’s documentation status, or the documentation status of their family. All data collected will be subject to strict data protection policies. To learn more about our data protection policies, visit our Frequently Asked Questions document here. 

Will my public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid), FAFSA or taxes be affected?

During the two-year financial education program, the $20,000 will remain in an investment account held by Impact Charitable. While the money is invested by Impact Charitable, it won't affect any public benefits that the young person or their family receives, and no taxes will be owed on it.

At the end of the two years, when young people are ready to use their funds, receiving the money could affect some public benefits. Before any money is distributed, we'll provide clear information about how it might impact benefits so young people and their families  can make informed decisions. If needed, we'll also offer different ways to receive the money (such as making payment directly on your behalf toward your college, home purchase etc.), that won't affect public benefits at all.

When will we be able to access the funds? 

For those who are selected into the Accelerate Track, they can access their funds once they complete the required financial education. For sophomores or 16-year-olds not enrolled in school, funds will be available in summer 2028. For juniors, funds will be available in summer 2027.

Young people don't have to use their funds right away. They can keep the money invested and growing, and use it anytime before winter 2030 when the pilot ends. At the end of the pilot, young people in the Accelerate Track who haven't used their funds will have the option to move the remaining money into a long-term investment or retirement account.

How will this pilot lead to long-term systems and policy change? 

The Ignite Futures Fund is part of a larger statewide effort to make early wealth-building opportunities available to all young people. By testing this model now, we can learn what works, what young people need, and how investment accounts can support long-term financial stability.

The Wealth Building Coalition — convened by Soul2Soul Sisters and the Colorado Fiscal Institute — is leading policy work in Colorado to create seeded investment accounts at birth. These accounts are designed to help close the wealth gap and give every child a stronger financial foundation.

The data and lessons from the Ignite Futures Fund will help inform this policy effort. By showing the impact of early investments on teens and their families, this pilot can strengthen the case for statewide legislation and long-term systems change, ensuring future generations have access to meaningful wealth-building tools from the very start.

I have some other questions. 

Check out our full list of frequently asked questions here. 

Application Consent

As I complete my application, I acknowledge the following:

1. My participation in this application is entirely voluntary.
2. Submitting an application to the Ignite Futures Fund does not guarantee funds. All applicants will be assessed for eligibility and then put into a random lottery. Only a portion of those who apply will be selected based on the lottery.
3. I agree to have my answers included in the research and evaluation of the pilot and shared with our evaluation partner, Prosono.
4. I affirm that I will provide honest answers to the questions in this application to the best of my knowledge and understanding.

We are now going to ask you some questions about yourself and your identity. The upcoming questions are asked to better understand the individuals applying for the pilot and will not be used to determine your eligibility.

Please contact ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505 to discuss options for how you can verify your identity before proceeding with the remainder of the application.

You will need to upload a selfie with your ID to help us verify your identity.

Instructions for taking a selfie while holding up your photo ID:

1. Hold up the ID that you have already uploaded in the previous questions next to your face.
2. Make sure the ID is not blocking your face and it is visible in the photo.
3. Take a selfie of your face while holding up the ID, making sure that your face is clearly visible in the photo.
4. Ensure that there is enough lighting and the photo is clear.
5. You will be asked to upload a selfie you take. This is required. 

You cannot proceed with your application unless someone can verify your address or you can upload proof of address. Please contact ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505 if you need assistance with your application or questions about the verification process. 

We now need to information about your household income. 

Your household includes yourself, your siblings, your parents/guardians and any other family members who depend on your parents/guardians to cover most of their expenses (for example: elderly, sick or disabled family members). If you have questions about who should be included in your household, review the FAQ document, email ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505.

Your household income includes all money your parents/guardians and other adults over 18 years old in the household receive from wages, jobs, self-employment income, capital gains, retirement accounts/ pensions, investments or rental money, or any other major source of reliable income. They should only report income that you receive regularly, for at least six months of the year. If you have questions about what income should be included, review the FAQ document, email ignite@impactcharitable.org or call/text (720) 213-6505. 

Your family’s public benefits do not count toward your household income (benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)).

Thank You for Your Interest

Unfortunately, based on your answers, you are not eligible for the Ignite Futures Fund at this time. We understand that this may not be the news you hoped to hear, and we deeply appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

While this program may not be the right fit, there may be other resources available to support you. Check out MyFriend Ben for a list of resources you and your family may be eligible for. 

We appreciate the time and effort you've put into completing this application - you're almost done.

The next step is to complete the baseline survey. This will be emailed to you no later than the second week of February. You will need to fill in the survey by February 27, 2026 at 11:59pm MST in order to be considered for this program. 

Once you complete the survey, you will hear from us by March 30, 2026 about the outcome of your application. Please do not contact us to ask about your application status before then, as we will not be able to provide updates. We may also request more information or documents — so please check the email you listed on this application regularly.

Remember, applying does not guarantee selection. The Ignite Futures Fund is a lottery-based program. Now click on the next screen to submit. 

Click below to review and submit your application! Remember you cannot make any changes after you submit.