State Strategies for Sustained Investment in Kids: A Landscape of Dedicated FundingStates across the country are increasingly using specific sources of revenue, separate from their general budgets, to provide stable, long-term funding for programs and services for children and youth outside of the K-12 school day. These funds are dedicated through actions by state legislatures or through ballot measures approved by voters. Understanding how states have successfully created dedicated funding streams for kids is critical for informing and inspiring similar efforts elsewhere. Dedicated funding for children and youth comes from a variety of sources of state revenue. By highlighting the range of approaches—along with the advocacy, coalition building, and planning that made them possible—this report serves as a practical tool for advancing more sustainable and equitable systems of support for children and youth nationwide.Download the paper to learn more. Then watch the webinar recording to hear directly from the advocates who successfully created dedicated funds for children and youth in their states. Download PDF Filed under:Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Sourcing Additional Funding, Strategic Public Financing, Voter-Approved Children’s FundsMore Resources Video Fund IRL: Turn Social Media Accountability into Youth Opportunity Learn how our national coalition, Fund IRL, is working to ensure that any payouts from social media lawsuits fund the programs that help young people thrive. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Funds Nationwide Explore our chart detailing the type, amount, and purpose of more than 50 voter-approved children's funds across the country. Updates and Events Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Interview February 25, 2026 King County, WA, Keeps Community at the Center with Best Starts for Kids Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Fund IRL: Turn Social Media Accountability into Youth Opportunity Learn how our national coalition, Fund IRL, is working to ensure that any payouts from social media lawsuits fund the programs that help young people thrive.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Funds Nationwide Explore our chart detailing the type, amount, and purpose of more than 50 voter-approved children's funds across the country.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth