Give Kids A Chance was founded in 2004 by Brian J. McDonough, a shareholder and director at the law firm of Stearns Weaver Miller. After years of practicing law and raising three daughters, Brian had a nagging thought he should be doing something else to “complete the circle” of his life. He wondered what he could do for others that might make a difference in their lives. His own life had changed with early decisions to go to college and law school. But he realized many young people who want to attend college don’t have the means to do so. While working in the affordable housing practice at Stearns Weaver Miller, Brian noticed that many families served by the affordable housing industry couldn’t afford to send their children to college. So he formed Give Kids A Chance to fund college scholarships for high school seniors from lower income families. The idea was to raise donations from business associates in the affordable housing industry, such as developers, lenders, professionals, and investors, who shared his desire to help less fortunate families. The response was overwhelming. During its first year, the charity targeted only high school seniors living in affordable housing properties. Since then, it has broadened its reach and now solicits applications from low-income households statewide by notifying guidance counselors in all public schools throughout Florida. To date, the fund has raised nearly $2.7 million and awarded over 430 scholarships.