We fund organizations with strong and effective leadership that prepare children and youth from economically vulnerable households for fulfilled and productive lives through evidence-based programs.
The foundation believes that early childhood education is a critical part of the human experience and seeks to improve both the quality and quantity of Early Childhood Education for low-income families by either:
Improving Quality
We support programs that ensure high-quality preschool for low-income children by funding training and support for early childhood educators in childcare centers and Family, Friends, and Neighbor (FFN) provider settings. We prioritize professional development that equips ECE providers to create enriching, developmentally appropriate environments through play-based learning, movement, sensory engagement, outdoor exploration, and creative expression.
Strong applicants in this category will be professional development providers or early childhood centers (infant, toddler, or preschool) that engage in high-quality training practices and provide professional development to other providers in ways that increase the number of childcare slots available to low-income families.
Note: Preschool programs themselves are not eligible to apply for professional development funding unless they run a training program that includes other providers.
—OR—
Increasing Access
We support programs that increase access to high-quality, center-based preschool for low-income children and their families. Priority will be given to programs that use a whole-child approach to child development, ensuring each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Programs must also actively engage parents and caregivers in the preschool experience, strengthening the role of the family in supporting their child’s learning and development.
Strong applicants in this category will be infant, toddler, and preschool centers that demonstrate a commitment to quality early childhood development and expanding access for low-income families, and communities by enrolling predominately low-income children at low or no cost.