My name is Eric Newman, a 9th-grade student—and yes, Nicole’s twin brother! I’ve been an active member of the Newman Global Initiative (NGI) since I was nine, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable organizations and individuals. Now, in May 2025, I’m thrilled to share a new endeavor I’ve been developing: The Modesto Project, also known as the Nano Fund.
The core idea of the Modesto Project is straightforward: to provide small, no-obligation micro-funds to individuals, small businesses, and educational projects. These funds are intended to help kickstart initiatives or foster growth without the pressure of repayment. Should recipients experience success and wish to contribute back to the Modesto Project ecosystem in the future, they are welcome to do so—it’s built on trust, support, and the creation of opportunity.
Our initial focus will be on five communities where NGI already has strong connections: Peru, Guyana, India, Cambodia, and Kenya. These vibrant communities inspire me, and I’m eager to contribute further to the hope and potential within them.
My involvement with NGI and partnerships with organizations like Inspira in Peru, the Caritas School of Life, Shanti Bhavan in India, and Meagan’s Hug in Canada have profoundly shaped my perspective. These experiences have shown me the power of small acts of kindness to ignite significant change.
The Modesto Project is about more than just financial assistance; it’s about expressing belief in people’s potential. I sincerely hope this new initiative can open doors for others, much like so many have opened doors for me.
Thank you for reading. I’ll be sharing more updates as we launch the Modesto Project. I’m truly excited to see its impact and the lives we can touch together.