Neighborhood Centers’ “Give Early” campaign addresses an urgent funding crisis in our Early Childhood Education programs, which serve over 100 children from low-income, immigrant, and refugee families in Johnson County, Iowa. Due to state and federal funding cuts, we are now facing an annual shortfall of over $600,000, putting these vital services—and the families who depend on them—at risk.

In 2024, we launched a capital campaign to build a new early childhood center, set to open in 2026 and add 60 new high-quality preschool and child care slots for our growing community. But without immediate support to stabilize our existing programs, this long-term expansion is under threat.

This project seeks a matching grant to help close the funding gap, sustain current classrooms, and keep our expansion on track. Funds raised will support tuition assistance, classroom resources, and critical wraparound support for working parents. By investing early, we create school readiness, family stability, and long-term economic and social benefits for our entire region.

Learn more about Neighborhood Centers by watching our 50th Anniversary Documentary!

Give Early!

Sustain and Expand Access to Early Childhood Education

Team Members