The Modesto Project: Empowering Communities Through Nano Funds  

We’re Julian DePaoli and Eric Newman, students who have been fortunate to collaborate with remarkable organizations and individuals. In May 2025, we are excited to introduce a new initiative we’ve been developing: The Modesto Project, also known as the Nano Fund. The concept is simple: to provide small, no-obligation micro-funds to individuals, small businesses, and …

Letter From Our Founder: Progress and Partnership

As 2024 enters its final stretch, we’re filled with a mix of gratitude and optimism. The generosity and passion of our supporters, both new and long-standing, continue to amaze us. It’s this shared commitment that allows us to remain dedicated in our pursuit of micro-impact initiatives that truly uplift communities. Our work with Inspira in …

Battling the Reading Gap: Project Butterfly Takes Flight

Reading struggles in early grades are more prevalent than we often acknowledge. A significant portion, around 20-30%, of young learners grapple with reading difficulties. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, my teammate Matthew Newman and I embarked on a journey to make a difference. Over 18 months ago, the concept of “Project Butterfly,” a free …