RD260 - Virginia Early Childhood Foundation Annual Report 2009 and Financial Statements


Executive Summary:
We are pleased to present you with this annual report of progress of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. While 2009 was a difficult economic year for all Virginians, we are pleased to report continued growth of the Foundation and increased statewide support for our youngest Virginians, which will result in long-term prosperity for all our citizens.

Virginians care deeply about the future of our Commonwealth, and our first and most important job is to ensure the success and prosperity of our citizens, businesses and institutions. Research demonstrates that investments that improve the school readiness of young children will have lifelong impacts on educational achievement, workforce productivity, and economic prosperity. These are important values to Virginians, and they are guiding principles of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

During this past fiscal year, the Foundation has experienced dramatic success in helping Virginians from all walks of life, and all regions of the Commonwealth, to embrace early childhood as a way to make certain these values are sustained and supported. Fiscal year 2009 brought continued bi-partisan support from our elected leaders, increased philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, our Board of Directors and other individuals, and our first grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission. This level of commitment proves that early childhood development is a value that Virginians hold in common for the long-term benefit of our citizens.

As you read this annual report, you will find that our work has expanded to regions across the Commonwealth, and, even in our infant years as an organization, we are witnessing improvements in school readiness that we know will lead to a stronger, more prosperous Virginia in the future. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we thank you for your ongoing support, for making certain that our values transcend our differences, and that we continue investing in young children today as a way to build a strong Virginia for tomorrow.