The CT Early Childhood Funder Collaborative (ECFC) is pleased to share their report, “Survey Findings: Priorities and Strategies Related to Early Childhood Advocacy among Grantmakers in Connecticut.” The findings confirm some things the collaborative already knew about and raises some important opportunities to consider for their work plan going forward. Based on the responses, Connecticut funders share many of the same priorities in their early childhood investments. This provides a platform for further funder collaboration, better coordination of services, and improved child outcomes.
"One of the surprises in the survey’s findings was the high percentage of respondents supporting policy and advocacy. This reflects philanthropy’s focus on supporting systems change and offers another avenue for funder collaboration," commented ECFC Executive Director Carol O'Donnell.
Report highlights include:
- More than 70% of respondents that fund early childhood education supported advocacy or public policy over the last 3 years
- Children’s social/emotional/mental or behavioral health was the top priority among grantmakers
- Increasing availability of high quality, accessible infant/toddler care was identified as a top interest for collective action among grantmakers
- Limited staff capacity is the greatest challenge facing grantmakers supporting advocacy
- Funders are employing multiple strategies to support advocacy including coalition building, grassroots organizing, public awareness, policy research and messaging
