Children First is proud to announce a $600,000 matching gift challenge led by its Changemaker Collective.

The Changemaker Collective is an initiative for leaders who go above and beyond in serving our community and wish to make an investment in the tools children and families need to achieve their full potential. All collective support will be matched dollar for dollar with an overall goal to raise $1.2MM.

Funds raised through this initiative will provide scholarships, ensuring both immediate access to our early childhood education programs and long-term educational success through Children First’s Future Scholars Fund, a 529 College Savings Plan Initiative. This support extends beyond education, encompassing essential mental health services for children and their families, including postpartum and perinatal care for mothers.

These critical resources, which also comprise our focus on our Family Strengthening initiatives, including the Families First Institute and Job Skills Training program, will foster a stronger foundation for families facing economic vulnerability.

The key philanthropists comprising the Collective include: Anonymous, Keith Monda & Veronica Brady, Carl & Liza Caruso, The Jean J. and Laurence S. DeLynn Foundation in honor of Elenor Maxheim, Lisa & John Giglio, Brock & Julie Leach, Joan & Dr. Bart Levenson, Elenor Maxheim, the Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation, Linda Rhault, and Gaye & Jack Schwarz.

At multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, Children First provides comprehensive services to hundreds of economically vulnerable children, ages birth to five, and their families each year. Comprehensive services include early childhood education, nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, and family strengthening programs.

“The Changemaker Collective is investing in the health and prosperity of our society,” says CEO Philip Tavill. “Without reliable, affordable early childhood education, many families we serve must reduce work hours or leave the workforce, leading to a significant loss of income and long-term economic consequences.”

To make a gift in support of the Changemaker Collective, please visit childrenfirst.net/donate.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.

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