Welcome to our quarterly Business and Community Partner newsletter!

We’re being more intentional about how and when we share information, with the goal of making our communications more useful and relevant to our partners (that's you!) and the families you support.

In 2026, you can expect updates on how the Alfond Scholarship Foundation and FAME can support your work, seasonally timed messaging you can easily use or adapt, latest research, partner spotlights, and ready-to-share PDFs with active links for your employee or family communications.

Our goal is to better support you through more consistent, practical communication—so you feel confident sharing information and know exactly how we can help. We welcome your feedback anytime at info@myalfondgrant.org.

Many Families Still Don’t Know About 529 Plans

A 2024 Commonwealth study found that only 34% of Americans recognize 529 plans as an education savings tool, and nearly three out of four parents without a 529 (73%) have never heard of them at all.

Awareness is especially low among low- to moderate-income families—making the role of employers and community partners critical. When families know where to find trusted information and how to get started, they’re far more likely to feel confident taking the first steps to plan and prepare for a child’s or grandchild’s future education.

New Year, New Goals: Start Saving for Education

Saving for future education doesn’t have to be complicated. Encourage employees to set a simple, achievable goal for 2026—open a 529 account and automate contributions through payroll. Research shows that access to employer-supported education savings boosts confidence in using it as a wealth-building tool and is linked to higher job satisfaction.

Saving any amount now can make a big difference later! Need help? Anyone can schedule a free one-on-one virtual appointment with our friends at FAME to learn about Maine’s 529 plan and get support setting up automated contributions.

The Alfond Scholarship Foundation is not an authorized distributor of NextGen529. 

Read our disclaimer here.

We are Leading the Way in Early Wealth-Building

The Alfond Scholarship Foundation recently co-hosted a two-day national convening in Boston with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the College Savings Plans Network at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, bringing together leaders from across the country to explore ways to expand early wealth-building programs for children and families.

As a pioneer in this field, the Alfond Grant continues to show how early investments can help families build a strong foundation for their child's future. Events like this help shape national strategies and highlight the important role you play as valued partners to support Maine families.

Please Share: Help Spread the Word

You play a vital role in helping employees and families learn about the $500 Alfond Grant, and we want to support you every step of the way. That’s why you’ll now find shareable info in this final section in our newsletter each month—filled with ready-to-use content you can easily download, copy, paste, link, or tailor for your audience.

If there’s a format that would make sharing even easier, just let us know. We’re happy to help and grateful for all you do to get this important information into the hands of families.

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