Melania Trump, the former First Lady, launched a scholarship program last year called “Fostering the Future.” However, The New York Times reported that there is no charity registered with that name in New York or Florida.
In February 2022, Trump announced the program in a press release, stating her commitment to helping America’s children after leaving the White House. She clarified that “Fostering the Future” is the name of her platform and not a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Instead, it is a part of her Be Best initiative.
The details of the project’s scope remained unclear, and The Times also found no charity registered under the name “Be Best” in Florida or New York.
According to an unnamed source familiar with the scholarship program, “more than two” scholarships have been awarded so far, though specific information wasn’t provided. Michael Weitzman, the first scholarship recipient, shared that he received the funding through a friend connected to the Trump family. Weitzman, who experienced a tumultuous childhood in multiple foster homes, expressed his gratitude to Melania Trump during an interview on the Fox News program “Fox and Friends.”
Melania Trump had mentioned in a previous press release that she was collaborating with the Bradley Impact Fund to select charities supporting foster children. She intended to team up with various groups to provide scholarships for foster children interested in pursuing computer sciences.
Responding to inquiries, a representative from Melania Trump’s office clarified that she does not operate a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, reiterating that “Fostering the Future” is the platform’s name under the Be Best initiative.
In Florida, organizations raising charitable contributions are required by law to register with the Division of Consumer Services. The Division previously initiated an inquiry into a ticketed event where some profits were meant to benefit “Fostering the Future,” although the amount retained by Melania Trump remains undisclosed according to The New York Times.