MCF NEWS ARCHIVES
3/8/05

Minnesota's commitment to early childhood development took another step forward thanks to a recent grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation, St. Paul, in support of the early childhood initiative in portions of greater Minnesota where Bremer Banks have a significant presence.

"We are pleased to partner with the Otto Bremer Foundation to help rural communities strengthen resources for young children and families," says Nancy Straw, president of West Central Initiative, Fergus Falls. "Investing in early care and education opportunities will significantly benefit families, businesses, and communities for years to come."

The Otto Bremer Foundation’s $70,000 grant will ensure continued emphasis in early childhood efforts in Greater Minnesota. Throughout the past 12 months, the Initiative Foundation, Little Falls; Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Bemidji; Southwest Minnesota Foundation, Hutchinson; and West Central Initiative have developed 16 grassroots early childhood coalitions.

On the state level, an early childhood coalition network has been created, which serves as an avenue to impact early care and education public policy. Statewide, 36 communities have been selected to participate in the Early Childhood Initiative because of each community's established local partnerships, existing early childhood education programs, and an expressed interest in strengthening the health of young children and families.

The Early Childhood Initiative receives assistance in organizing and engaging local participation in the metro area and throughout the state from Ready 4 K, a school readiness advocacy group. The statewide effort is directed by the six regional Minnesota Initiative Foundations, which were created in 1986 as a partnership between The McKnight Foundation and citizens of Greater Minnesota.

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