Where every child gets to learn

Opening the doors of education for every child.

The Cirlaine Coffin Foundation invests in the education of disadvantaged children — funding learning support, tutoring, and the tools that help kids with learning differences thrive in the classroom and beyond.

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Why we exist

Talent is everywhere. Access to learning is not.

Every child is born curious and capable — but too many are held back by classrooms that aren’t built for how they learn, or by families who can’t afford the support they need. We invest in their education so potential never goes to waste.

1 in 5
students learn differently
Dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences too often go unsupported.
3.5x
the impact of early support
The right help in school changes a child’s entire trajectory.
100%
of gifts fund learning
Tutoring, tools, and classroom resources — straight to students.
What we fund

Three ways we invest in learning.

Education-first support built around each student — because no two learners are the same.

Learning Support

Specialist tutoring, assessments, and assistive technology for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences — so every child is taught the way they learn best.

Learning Differences

Scholarships & Resources

Grants for tuition, books, laptops, and classroom materials — removing the financial barriers that stand between a bright student and a great education.

Access to Education

Tutoring & Mentorship

One-on-one tutors and caring mentors who build confidence, unlock curiosity, and guide students toward graduation and the future they imagine.

Achievement
Cirlaine Foster Coffin Cirlaine Foster Coffin · 1932–1995
Our story

Named for a woman who believed no child is beyond reach.

Cirlaine Foster Coffin (1932–1995) was a Maine schoolteacher who, with her husband David, adopted and raised nine children — many facing developmental disabilities, dyslexia, or painful beginnings. She measured success not in wealth, but in children who were safe, educated, and knew they belonged.

Her conviction still guides us: that a child’s disability, learning difficulty, or hardship should never set the limit on their future.

Read her full story →
Join us

Change a life — starting today.

There’s a place for everyone in this work. Here’s where you can begin.

01

Give monthly

A steady gift funds tutoring, learning tools, and scholarships all year — the kind of consistency students can count on.

Become a sponsor
02

Volunteer

Tutor, mentor, or lend a professional skill. A few hours a month can reshape a child’s whole year.

Sign up to help
03

Partner with us

Schools, employers, and community groups — let’s build programs that reach more children together.

Start a conversation
Education grants

Funding for students, families & schools.

We award grants to support the education of children facing learning differences or financial hardship — covering tutoring, assessments, assistive technology, tuition, and classroom resources. Families, educators, and nonprofit partners are all welcome to apply.

  • Learning-support & assessment grants
  • Scholarships for tuition, books & devices
  • Classroom & program grants for schools
Apply for a grant →
$2,500average student grant
4 wkstypical review time
Rollingapplications year-round