Pennies for Preschoolers: Philanthropic Foundation Investment Categories and Early Childhood Education

• In Event: Follow the Money: Philanthropic and Intermediary Organization Influences in K–12 and Higher Education

Abstract

Current research identifying the multiple categories of philanthropic investment is disjointed and research regarding philanthropic foundation investment in early childhood education programs is extremely limited. Throughout this research study, I describe the five types of philanthropy (conventional or charitable, strategic, venture, muscular, and catalytic) that are commonly known and recognized by researchers and members of industry, and will then identify the limited research that currently exists focusing on philanthropic foundation investment in early childhood education. As preschool and Head Start programs enter the public school system, additional research is needed to further provide transparency in how philanthropic foundations specifically invest in K-12 and early childhood education programs.

Author

• Kathryn P. Chapman, Arizona State University - Tempe