The Arizona Early Education Funds (AEEF) were recently established at the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) with partnering organizations across Arizona to help communities build the quality and capacity of early care and education programs for children birth to age five. These funds were established with the support of Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona School Readiness Board (ASRB). Funding strategies are targeted to support the ASRB Action Plan and designed to build both statewide and regional support for a comprehensive system of early care and education. The fund will be partially endowed and partially spendable, and funds will be distributed across Arizona for early care using systemic models that benefit children directly.
There are many individuals, corporations and foundations already contributing to early care and education, which is a critical commitment. While this is money well spent, often times these efforts are not sustainable. The AEEF provides a unique opportunity for individuals, corporations and organizations to strategically invest to support a system of early care and education that can be sustained beyond any one individual program.
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The foremost leading experts in early care and education are involved in the AEEF. Their experience and expertise guarantees that individuals, corporations and organizations can be confident that their investment will be used efficiently and effectively and will require measurable outcomes and results. Their gift will contribute to a sustained effort that will not only impact children right now, but also impact children for generations to come.
The Advisory Board has made a commitment to ensure that the maximum amount of dollars raised for the funds go to where it's needed most. All dollars invested through ACF are only charged a one percent administrative fee. And, in addition to private donations to support the Fund Director, the Arizona Community Foundation has committed additional staffing support.