Children First has received a $175,000 grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation to advance two strategic initiatives focused on strengthening comprehensive services and community engagement.

The grant includes $150,000 for the Changemaker Collective Challenge Match, which inspires leadership-level giving and broader community investment in Children First’s comprehensive services. The remaining $25,000 will support the Community Ambassador Program, a key initiative stemming from the agency’s strategic planning process.

This support helps ensure children have access to high-quality early childhood education, health and developmental services, nutritious meals, and individualized support during the years that matter most, while empowering families to build strong foundations for lifelong success. It will also help advance an ambassador-driven approach to community outreach, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen engagement and expand awareness of the agency’s mission.

“Virginia taught me that philanthropy begins with compassion. You have to genuinely care about the people you are trying to help. Children First puts that compassion into action by strengthening children, supporting families and building meaningful community connections,” said Bill Villafranco, Trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

“This generous investment strengthens both the services we provide today and the community connections that will sustain our mission for years to come,” said Children First President & CEO Philip Tavill. “As we prepare for the next phase of the Changemaker Collective, we are deeply grateful to the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation for continuing to champion children, families, and the connections that strengthen our mission.”

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First’s mission is: Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.
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