Investing in a Strong Start

It’s the start of a new year. Here at the Center, we couldn’t think of a better way to begin the year than by highlighting how donors can ensure the strongest possible start to a child’s life, whether here in the U.S. or abroad.

During the next few months, we’ll be releasing three pieces of guidance for donors:

Invest in the Potential of Children in the U.S.

New evidence from neuroscience and social science alike demonstrate just how significant early experiences are in shaping a child’s life for years to come. Invest in the Potential (working title), our multiplatform early childhood toolkit developed in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, will highlight opportunities for donors to ensure that all children can reach their full potential.

Donor Strategies for Reducing Childhood Obesity: Lessons from Philadelphia

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. It is the cause of significant individual suffering, as well as enormous health and economic consequences for society. Unlike other major US cities, Philadelphia is unusual as it has seen decreases in some of the most affected populations: African-American boys and Hispanic girls. In partnership with Convergence Partnership and the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, we will be releasing Donor Strategies for Reducing Childhood Obesity: Lessons from Philadelphia (working title), looking at how donors can reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. While our guidance will be especially relevant for donors in the greater Philadelphia region, there are lessons for communities around the country.

Beyond 5: Improving Child Health and Survival in the Developing World

Many children in the developing world won’t live to see their fifth birthday due to preventable causes such as malnutrition, measles, malaria, and pneumonia. The good news is that multiple evidence-based and cost effective solutions exist for donors to support. For donors seeking to reduce child mortality and help children thrive, our child survival toolkit will showcase high-impact interventions to ensure that children reach that crucial fifth birthday—and many more.

Here’s to a strong start to the New Year for you and for children around the world!