Voter-Approved Children’s FundsA voter-approved children’s fund refers to local public revenue that is dedicated to children’s services in an election by the voters. These types of funds also are calledlocal dedicated funds,Children’s Services Councils (in Florida),Children’s Services Funds (in Missouri),Strong Start (San Miguel County, CO) or Right Start (Summit County, CO),Best Starts for Kids (King County, WA),Early Childhood Millage (in Kent County, MI), orsimply children’s funds.These funds support a variety of programs and services for children and youth includingprenatal and infant health and development services;child care and early education programs;after-school and summer programs;youth mentorship, leadership, and career support;mental health, behavioral health, and wellness support; andother programs and services typically provided outside of core school-day hours.Voter-approved children’s funds do not support the general operating budget for K-12 public schools since school districts typically receive funding from other designated local, state, and federal sources. Download PDF Filed under:Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Voter-Approved Children’s FundsMore Resources Video Public Financing in Times of Uncertainty Presenters share strategies for confronting challenges kids' programs and services face during these unstable political times. Publication Travis County Votes “Yes” for Affordable Child Care Advocates in Travis County, TX, won a ballot measure in 2024 that will provide more than $75 million annually to fund services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Updates and Events News March 20, 2025 Multiple State Legislatures Introduce Bills to Provide Sustained Funding for Kids News January 29, 2025 State Tax Cuts Threaten Public Funding Just When Child and Youth Programs Are Most Needed Insights December 11, 2024 Reflecting on a Year of Accomplishments for Children and Youth—and Preparing for a New Political Climate Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Public Financing in Times of Uncertainty Presenters share strategies for confronting challenges kids' programs and services face during these unstable political times.
Publication Travis County Votes “Yes” for Affordable Child Care Advocates in Travis County, TX, won a ballot measure in 2024 that will provide more than $75 million annually to fund services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth.
News March 20, 2025 Multiple State Legislatures Introduce Bills to Provide Sustained Funding for Kids
News January 29, 2025 State Tax Cuts Threaten Public Funding Just When Child and Youth Programs Are Most Needed
Insights December 11, 2024 Reflecting on a Year of Accomplishments for Children and Youth—and Preparing for a New Political Climate