Mission

We at the Children’s Investment Fund believe that all children need to learn in safe physical environments designed to support their healthy growth and development.  We help nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts develop high quality facilities for early learning and youth programs

What We Do

Investing in high quality early childhood education (ECE) and out-of-school time (OST) programs helps address educational disparities faced by children at risk.  But quality is the crucial component. A well-designed, well-equipped environment supports learning, while a poorly adapted and overcrowded environment undermines it.

Poor facilities can be a barrier to program accreditation or quality improvement. A 2001 study of Massachusetts preschools found that 40% had space and furnishings rated “minimal” or “inadequate”.  That percentage increased to 50% in programs in low-income neighborhoods.

While improved facilities alone will not transform a poorly-run program, we know that facilities problems reduce the quality of care in many average-to-good programs.

Children’s Investment Fund works statewide providing grant and loan capital for facilities projects.  Since 1991, the Fund has invested in the improvement or expansion of 430 ECE and OST programs in Massachusetts.

The Facilities Inventory 

During 2009-2010, the Fund sponsored a statewide study on existing conditions in ECE and OST programs across Massachusetts -- the first study of its kind in Massachusetts or the U.S.  It will document the condition of ECE and OST facilities in Massachusetts and the cost of improvements.  The findings will provide data to drive a campaign for sustainable facilities financing. It will also guide our training, technical assistance, and financing for our target population -- providers serving the most vulnerable children in the Commonwealth.

CLICK HERE for the full report, the Executive Summary, the Program Facility Standards, The Facilities Inventory Project Data Report and The Facilities Inventory Project Boston Data Report.

CLICK HERE for news articles related to the release of this report.