OUR VISION Providing Massachusetts children in foster care with opportunity

Rise Above funds individual activity wishes for foster children through an online application process. All children who are in the physical care and custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), are eligible. Learn More

image of boy with guitar
Rise Above is dedicated to providing Massachusetts children in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities and experiences. Founded in 2009, Rise Above is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that responds to the growing need to give youth in foster care opportunities that will give them a sense of normalcy, provide comfort and build self-esteem.

Mission Statement
We put children in foster care first.



Rise Above is dedicated to providing Massachusetts children in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities and experiences. Founded in 2009, Rise Above is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that responds to the growing need to give youth in foster care opportunities that will give them a sense of normalcy, provide comfort and build self-esteem.

By funding individual wishes for requests like prom expenses, soccer registration, and clarinet lessons, Rise Above provides positive experiences for children in foster care. Learn More.

How Does it Work?

  • icon eligible

    Who is eligible?

    Children who are in the physical care and custody of the Massachusetts DCF, including youth in CFC, independent living, group home, and residential placements. Young adults 18 years and older who have voluntarily signed themselves in with the Massachusetts DCF are also eligible.

  • icon users

    Who can complete the application?

    DCF social worker
    Child or young adult
    Foster parent
    Other support (teacher, mentor, clinician, etc.)
    *Please note that the individual completing the application MUST have the approval of the child’s DCF social worker.

  • icon process

    How does the application process work?

    The Application Review Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, and considers community resources, previous requests, current available funds, and the nature of the activity being requested in making the decision to fund a request.


Apply for Funding

/RiseAboveMA


RISING ABOVE SINCE 2009Our stats at a glance.

icon served
Kids Served
10K

icon funds
Activities Funded
$2.5M

icon calendar
MAKING AN IMPACT
365
DAYS A YEAR