Our Story

GradGrow started the way many meaningful ideas do: with an honest conversation among parents. During the holidays, as talk turned to Christmas lists and gift ideas, the sentiment around the table was surprisingly consistent. We weren’t worried about our kids having enough—they already did. What we felt instead was a quiet frustration. Toys would be opened, enjoyed for a few weeks, and eventually end up forgotten in a closet or stored away in the basement. The generosity was heartfelt, but the impact felt temporary.

As parents, we began asking a different question: What if the same generosity could be directed toward something that truly lasts? Education quickly rose to the top. College costs continue to climb, and while 529 plans are one of the most effective ways to prepare, there was no simple or natural way to invite friends and family to contribute. Sharing account information felt impersonal, and directly asking for contributions felt awkward. The intention was there, but the moment never felt quite right.

That realization became the foundation for GradGrow. We imagined a world where contributing to a child’s education felt just as appropriate—and just as thoughtful—as giving a traditional gift. Birthdays, holidays, baby showers, baptisms, graduations, and other milestones all bring people together with a shared desire to celebrate and support a child. Even moments like welcoming a new baby, sending thank-you notes, hosting family gatherings, or announcing a graduation felt like opportunities to give with purpose, if only the process were simple.

GradGrow makes those moments effortless. By linking a 529 plan to a unique QR code, parents can share a secure, easy way for loved ones to contribute—whether digitally or in person. The QR code can live on invitations, announcement cards, thank-you notes, keepsakes, or shared online with a single click. Parents remain fully in control of their child’s education savings, while friends and family gain a meaningful way to participate in a child’s future.

At its core, GradGrow is about redefining how we give. It’s about replacing short-lived gifts with lasting impact, reducing clutter, and turning life’s most meaningful moments into opportunities to invest in what matters most. What began as a shared frustration among parents has grown into a platform designed to help families build something bigger—together—one milestone at a time.