Featured Success

The Foundation makes a difference in the lives of individuals and advanced early learning by granting funds to community coalitions across Washington State. Our support does not stop with funding, as the Foundation provides technical assistance, workshops and resources to enable these community coalitions to make the greatest impact. Below are a selection of recent grants.

First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County

Counties: Pierce County
Children 0-5 served: 25,000   
Foundation Grant: $15,000 (Stage 3 Coalition-Building Grant)
Funds Leveraged: $1,050,000

"Our coalition is new enough that almost all of our energy has been invested in kids who are not yet in kindergarten.”

- Kelly Phanco, Coalition Lead
First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County

Coalition Background

The First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County coalition (formerly referred to as "Pierce County Linkages") includes eleven communities where school districts, child care and early learning providers, and families are working together to promote “a continuum of learning” for all children in their communities. The eleven districts are: Bethel, Dieringer, Peninsula, Tacoma, Sumner, Clover Park, Puyallup, University Place, Fife, Franklin Pierce, and Steilacoom.

Demographics

Pop: 700,820   Under 5: 49,861    
Median Income: $52,098   
Families below poverty line: 7.5 %
Bachelor's degree: 20.6 %

Leveraged Funds

Coupled with the Foundation’s stage-three coalition-building grant of $25,000, First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County has able to secure over a million dollars in leveraged funds including grants from the following donors and organizations: United Way Of Pierce County $250,000, Rainier Pacific $20,000, Tapco $5,000, Dorothy Lewis Financial Insights $5,000, Steve and Donna Albers $5,000, Michael Rogers $5,000, Concrete Technology $5,000, Michael A. and Mary Jo Tucci $25,000, Total Ocean Trailer Express $25,000, City Of Tacoma $150,000, Columbia Bank   $5,000, Russell $50,000, The Boeing Company $75,000, Pierce County $10,000, Key Bank   $5,000, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 360,000, City Of Lakewood $50,000.

Current Focus

First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County is focused on home visiting. These services receive the largest amount of funding from the coalition. The second largest investment is in addressing quality improvement for child care. 

Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning

$2,000,000

"We have increased the bond for kindergarten transition with our school districts in the collation.”

- Kathy Thamm– Coalition Lead
Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning

Demographics

Pop: 517,290 Under 5: 52,988
Median Income: $42,225   
Families below poverty line: 11.12 %
Bachelor's degree: 17.34%

Leveraged Funds

Coupled with the Foundation’s stage-four coalition grant of $25,000, the Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning Coalition has been able to acquire $2 million ($1m grant and $1m matching) in funding from the Bill & Gates Foundation Our Kids, Resilient and Ready 3-year grant, and from community member contributions.

Current Focus

The Inland Northwest Alliance for Early Learning Coalition is currently developing the coalition’s communications efforts so that the coalition can effectively communicate with the business community in their fundraising efforts.

The coalition is also interested increasing its presence in both urban and rural areas through social networking opportunities, establishing stronger media connections, strengthening grassroots input in the planning process, and by using the Kids Matter framework as a planning tool.