YMCA of Metropolitan AtlantaGrants | Program Areas
Early Childhood Education
We invest in increasing access to quality early learning to give every child a strong start.
Mr. Whitehead lost his mother Mary at the age of five, and his own sons Joe Jr. and Conkey lost their father during childhood. We recognize the importance of strong support and quality care for children in the first years of life to build the foundation for future success.
Our average grants portfolio includes significant investments in early care and education (see graph). We direct most grants through Smart Start at the United Way of Greater Atlanta and prioritize giving in the City of Atlanta. The Foundation occasionally considers grants for large-scale initiatives across metro Atlanta.
We do not fund individual students or childcare programs.
United Way of Greater AtlantaWhat We Fund
Significant initiatives to expand access to quality learning experiences, strengthen teacher training, and increase school readiness at the state and regional level
Public-private partnerships to improve early literacy and put children on track for 3rd grade reading proficiency