This philosophy is at the heart of the Growth Fund.  Established first in Minnesota in 2006, the Growth Fund helps nonprofit child care center directors and their boards identify and tackle critical business challenges.  Centers work with local expert business advisors and also receive FCF grants to help implement their business plans.

The Growth Fund’s work is inspired by research showing that quality care for children in their earliest years yields tremendous human, economic and social benefits later on, especially for families living in poverty.  The HighScope Perry Preschool Study, one of several landmark, long-term studies of the effects of high-quality early care and education on low-income children, documented a return to society of more than $16 for every $1 invested in a quality early care and education program.

Learn More: 

Go to “In this section” on the right for more detail on each state’s Growth Fund.