Support Our Mission

Why Invest in Smart Start?

At Smart Start of Forsyth County, we know what it takes to put young children on a path to lifelong success: high-quality childcare, education, programs that support physical and developmental health, family literacy, and parenting skills—all delivered through a strong, diverse, and fully integrated early childhood system.

We know that investing in the early years provides a tremendous return on investment: for every $1 spent today, we save $13 dollars in future spending. In Forsyth County, we have many children and families who qualify for these essential programs. Of the 18,058 children ages birth to 5 who live in Forsyth County, 16.7% live in poverty. Unfortunately, funding for our programs does not meet the demand, but with your generosity, we can make an impact.

Supporters like you make a difference! Your gift, monetary and in-kind, bonds Forsyth County children and families by:

  • Keeping children in safe, clean, and healthy facilities.
  • Providing childcare scholarships for those who cannot afford it.
  • Providing educational materials and IT equipment for teachers.
  • Making nutrition an accessible priority.
  • Empowering Forsyth County’s next generation.

At Smart Start of Forsyth County, we appreciate ALL of our donors, partners, and key sponsors who help us reach our goals. Our giving levels range from $500 – $5,000 and above, as highlighted below.

  • Today’s Child: $500
  • Tomorrow’s Child: $1,000*
  • First Generation Leader: $2,500*
  • Next Generation Leader: $5,000*

*Donors and sponsors who give at or above the Tomorrow’s Child level receive marketing agreements that include a website highlight, newsletter recognition (1,000+ audience), social media recognition (2,000+ audience), recognition at key events, and more.

Donate Now

Forsyth County’s future prosperity is directly tied to how well we prepare children to become successful adults. There’s a great opportunity for every member of our community to join us and help young children become “citizen ready.”

It Starts at Birth

Did you know that the most rapid period of development in human life occurs from birth to age five?

The first 2,000 days of life leading up to Kindergarten are critical to the success of each child, not only in school, but in life. During this time, the brain grows through sight, sound, talk and touch. A baby’s brain works on learning how to produce words—months before it will begin to talk! Every positive experience that a baby has helps its brain form important connections (“synapses”) that will serve as a strong foundation for that child’s future health and learning.

Children are not only developing cognitive skills from birth to five. Social-emotional (or “soft”) skills are equally critical for success in school, work and life. When children learn how to play with others, they build language skills and learn teamwork. Early exploration develops creative thinking and problem solving skills.

Finally, access to high-quality early care and education can have a positive and lasting impact on the health of children through adulthood. Findings show benefits that include:

  • Improved mental health
  • Less smoking
  • Less substance abuse
  • Regular exercise
  • Improved diet
  • Less obesity
  • Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes

Early Childhood is a Smart Investment

Nobel Laureate Dr. James Heckman calls early childhood programs “one of the highest returns that we have to make in American society.” Children who participate in early childhood programs are more self-sufficient in the future. They grow up to earn more money, pay more taxes and are less dependent on government programs. While there is a wealth of research that points to the long-term overall benefits to participants in early childhood learning programs, the data shows that the majority of those returns are to society – not just to the individual.

What opportunity does an investment to Smart Start of Forsyth County provide?

  • $100 provides one family a week of childcare assistance.
  • $250 provides a childcare center new supplies to promote better education.
  • $500 provides high-level engagement or STEM activities to a childcare classroom.
  • $1,000 provides equipment for a center to better promote health and physical activity to children.

Prefer to donate by check?

Make checks payable to:

Smart Start of Forsyth County.
7820 North Point Boulevard, Suite 200, Winston Salem, NC 27106