Introducing the Great Start Early Childhood Fund

The Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) is proud to announce the creation of the Great Start Early Childhood Fund, a new endowment dedicated to supporting early childhood programs and services in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties.

This Field of Interest Fund focuses on providing essential resources to children from pre-birth through age eight and their families, ensuring they have the foundation they need to thrive. The fund reflects our community’s commitment to nurturing its youngest members and empowering the programs that support them.

Purpose of the Fund

The Great Start Early Childhood Fund was established to:

  • Enhance the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of early childhood programs.

  • Emphasize the importance of early brain development, a critical period for lifelong success.

  • Support families with resources and services essential for children’s growth.

  • Foster community collaboration to strengthen early childhood systems.

By prioritizing these key areas, the fund ensures that children in our region can grow up healthy, thriving, and ready for success.

What the Fund Supports

This fund will support projects that:

  • Improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood care and education.

  • Encourage family leadership and engagement.

  • Promote children’s social-emotional and physical health.

  • Align with Michigan’s Early Childhood Outcomes, including:

    • Children are born healthy.

    • Children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track.

    • School readiness at entry.

    • Proficiency in reading by the end of 3rd grade, ensuring long-term success.

Applications for funding will open during the Spring 2025 Grant Cycle. Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered 501(c)(3) non-profits.

  • Governmental units.

  • Educational or religious institutions.

Make a Difference: How You Can Help

The Great Start Early Childhood Fund is more than an endowment—it’s a community initiative that relies on the generosity of people like you.

Every $1 invested in early childhood programs can provide a $6.30 or more return through increased school readiness, improved health, and reduced reliance on social services. Your donation to this fund directly impacts families and children in our community, helping to create brighter futures for generations to come.

Donate Today: bit.ly/kcf-gsecf

Learn More or Apply

Are you part of a nonprofit, school, or organization with a project that aligns with the goals of this fund? Applications will open in Spring 2025! Learn more about eligibility, funding priorities, and the application process here: https://www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/great-start.

Together, we can make a lasting impact by giving every child the chance to have a great start in life. Join us in building brighter futures for our community’s youngest members.

For questions or more information, contact us at mail@keweenawgives.org or 906-482-9673.

Keweenaw Community Foundation