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Buffett Early Childhood Fund

Annual Giving
$34.5M

Buffett Early Childhood Fund

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $34.5 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: N/A (no public application)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Nebraska, with some national initiatives

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.buffettearly.org/
  • Phone: Not publicly available
  • Email: Not publicly available
  • Address: 808 Conagra Dr Ste 200, Omaha, NE 68102

Overview

The Buffett Early Childhood Fund is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2005 that focuses exclusively on early childhood development initiatives. With annual expenses of approximately $34.5 million and total assets of $9.05 million as of 2024, the foundation operates as a major force in early childhood advocacy and funding, particularly in Nebraska. The fund, chaired by Susan A. Buffett, takes a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, integrating scientific research, practical programs, and policy advocacy to create systemic change. The foundation emphasizes that "what happens in the earliest weeks, months, and years of life sets the stage for what's to come" and works to level the playing field for all children before they enter kindergarten.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The fund supports organizations across three main pillars:

  • Science and Research: Partnerships with academic institutions for early childhood research
  • Direct Service Programs: Support for early childhood education and care providers
  • Policy and Advocacy: Funding for organizations working on systemic policy change

Priority Areas

  • Early childhood education programs (birth to age 5)
  • Parent and caregiver support initiatives
  • Quality childcare and preschool programs
  • Research on brain development and early learning
  • Policy advocacy for early childhood systems
  • Professional development for early childhood educators

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their focus and invitation-only status, they likely do not fund:

  • Programs outside early childhood (ages 0-5)
  • Individual scholarships or direct family support
  • Capital campaigns or building projects
  • Programs outside their geographic focus areas

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership:

  • Susan A. Buffett - Director & Chair (unpaid position)
  • Jessie Rasmussen - President ($364,740 compensation)
  • Mike Burke - Vice President ($228,610 compensation)

The foundation operates with the belief that "cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development cannot be separated" and that "parents and other caring adults are the 'engines of change' in every child's life."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states: "No unsolicited requests for funding are accepted at this time." Grants are made through invitation only, based on strategic partnerships and pre-existing relationships with organizations aligned with their mission.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the organizations they currently support, the fund identifies partners through:

  • Existing relationships within the Nebraska early childhood community
  • Connections through their supported organizations and research partners
  • Board and leadership networks in the early childhood field
  • Strategic alignment with their three-pillar approach (science, practice, policy)

The fund actively supports established organizations including Educare Schools, Communities for Kids, Sixpence, First Five Nebraska, and partnerships with Harvard Center on the Developing Child and University of North Carolina's Early Learning Network.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - invitation-only funding

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this funder, organizations seeking support should focus on:

  • Building strong programs with demonstrated impact in early childhood (0-5 years)
  • Developing evidence-based approaches that align with current early childhood science
  • Creating connections with organizations already in the Buffett Early Childhood Fund network
  • Demonstrating capacity for systemic change rather than just direct service
  • Showing alignment with their comprehensive approach integrating science, practice, and policy
  • Operating in Nebraska or having potential for replication in Nebraska

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder with no public application process - do not submit unsolicited proposals
  • Focus is exclusively on early childhood (birth to 5 years) with emphasis on preventing achievement gaps
  • Strong preference for Nebraska-based organizations or those with Nebraska connections
  • Values comprehensive approaches that integrate research, direct service, and policy change
  • Partnerships with existing grantees may provide pathways to consideration
  • Organizations must demonstrate alignment with scientific understanding of early childhood development
  • The fund seeks systemic change rather than isolated program support

References

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