As we find ourselves in this busy holiday season, First Children's Finance staff wants to sincerely thank everyone who supports our organization and those who participate in our programs, services, and funding opportunities.
Our work centers on supporting the vital work that child care entrepreneurs and countless others do to ensure that families and children have safe, sustainable child care each day.
As 2024 draws to a close, we wanted to share some great examples of FCF's work and success stories from outstanding providers who are making a difference.
Recent News
First Children’s Finance Appoints Heidi Hagel-Braid as New CEO
First Children’s Finance (FCF) is proud to announce the appointment of Heidi Hagel-Braid as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Heidi is only the second CEO in the nonprofit’s 33-year history, succeeding founder Jerry Cutts, who retired in September 2024.
FCF National Consulting Team Works with Wisconsin for Business Training
In 2022, First Children’s Finance (FCF) partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to support Project Growth’s Dream Up! Child Care Supply Building Grant program to support and expand the supply of child care throughout the state.
Floodwood (MN) Responds to Child Care Crisis Through Partnerships
When three of the four family child care providers in the Floodwood, MN, area closed down within a year, the community was in trouble.
First Children’s Finance Awards $50,000 Grant to Craftsbury Saplings
First Children’s Finance VT (FCF) is pleased to announce the first recipients of the Vermont Planning Grant Project, a program designed to expand child care capacity across the state.
Minnesota Communities Celebrate Success Through FCF Rural Program
On September 25, First Children’s Finance spent a day celebrating with communities that had successfully found solutions to child care and staffing issues through the help of the Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP)), Child Care Strategic Supply Plan, and other community consultation.
FCF Honors Founder Jerry Cutts on His Retirement After Leading for More Than 33 Years
On November 12, First Children’s Finance staff, friends, and family had the opportunity to celebrate the retirement of the organization’s founder, Jerry Cutts, who also served as President and CEO for more than 33 years.
Jerry started FCF in 1991 and dedicated himself to transforming and enriching the lives of countless individuals. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment shined through even the most challenging circumstances, as he consistently sought viable solutions with a heartfelt determination.
Jerry was a pioneer in highlighting the important intersection of child care and community economic development. Building on that, he deeply understood the profound impact of FCF's mission and passionately guided the organization in creating thousands of sustainable child care businesses.
In conversations with Jerry, it becomes quickly evident how much he cares—not only about child care but also about his family. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his love for his family is at the heart of who he is.
First Children’s Finance is deeply grateful to Jerry for his vision, leadership, and dedication. The organization would not exist without Jerry; even in retirement, he will always remain a part of FCF.
Thank you, Jerry, as you begin the next chapter of your life. It is clearly well-earned and richly deserved.
Thank You to the Sponsors of Our 2024 All Staff Meeting!
Upcoming FCF Trainings
FCF in the News
- New Child Care Facility for Rural Northern Vermont Close to Breaking Ground
- EFCF Minnesota Director Attributes Child Care Crisis to ‘Broken’ Business Model, Offers Solutions
- What Happens When a State Brings Deep Discounts to Child Care?
- Pipestone (MN) Community Members Brainstorm Child Care Solutions