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Children's Initiatives

 “Experiences in childhood and adolescence affect lifelong health and the earlier we invest in children’s health the greater the return.”   Reference: Health Council of Canada (2006) Their Future is Now

In 2007, the Foundation established the principles and priorities for the children’s initiatives programme. The process for determining the framework was informed by a review of current literature to identify best and promising practices for childhood development, an environmental scan of resources and priorities for children’s development in Waterloo Region and by the generous and thoughtful input of a number of community leaders working in this field.

The Foundation adopted the use of three concepts as a framework for the Children’s Initiative’s programme:

• Determinants of Health

• Prevention and Early Intervention

• Developmental Asset Framework - 40 Assets for Childhood Development

The children’s initiatives programme builds on the Foundation’s understanding of how investing in the Determinants of Health contributes to healthy childhood development. For example the level of a person’s literacy has an impact on his/her physical and mental health and the health effects of poverty on children can include lower birth weight and slower growth.

“The roots of economic productivity and health risks in adulthood are found in early childhood…the earliest experiences of childhood reach long into adulthood.” Reference: McCain, Mustard and Shanker (2007) Early Years Study 2

The Foundation has adopted an intentional proactive emphasis on prevention. We give priority to initiatives focused on primary prevention-strategies which promote children’s wellness and prevent future problems by providing opportunities for learning and growth.

Developmental Assets are the supports, skills, relationships, values and self-perceptions that all children need to grow up into healthy, caring, and responsible people. The greater the number of Assets, the greater the likelihood children will be successful in school and grow up to become caring, responsible adults who contribute to their community.

What is the focus of the Foundation’s children’s initiatives programme?

Our goal is the healthy development of children and young people aged 0-12 years of age in Waterloo Region.  .

We recognize the engagement, support and involvement of parents is critical for children’s successful development and learning.  We value the important role played by families, schools, neighbours and the community at large in raising healthy children.

We dream of a community where every child is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

The Foundation gives priority to children’s proposals that:

• Build the strengths and developmental assets of  children

• Provide prevention strategies through universal or targeted programmes

• Address one or more Determinants of Health that contribute to healthy childhood development

• Create direct benefits for children

• Engage and involve children, parents, schools, and neighbourhoods in an integrated approach

• Model inclusion and accessibility

• Incorporate collaborative, comprehensive  approaches that address multiple objectives simultaneously

• Use evidenced based strategies and/or promising practices

• Will have long term impact and have the potential to be sustained 

The Foundation does not normally fund requests for:

• Camp sponsorships or capital campaigns for children’s camps

• Children’s medical and healthcare services

• Minor sports

In addition, please review What we fund for a list of criteria and priorities that apply to all programmes.

If you’re prepared to submit an application, go to the online application form.