Twenty five years ago, a group of caring citizens – people like you – stood in an auditorium with hands raised high and spoke with intention at the microphone. “Access to a good education is key,” “Children need strong families,” and “We need to do what’s right for kids.” We wanted a better system of early education for young children. So we built it, together.
Early visionaries laid the groundwork for what Wake County Smart Start (WCSS) would become – a network of impactful programs focused on preparing children to succeed in Kindergarten and life. Now it’s your turn to be our visionary partner. Give today to help us carry this mission forward.
Your gift in any amount helps us address needs like:
distributing tablets to parents, bridging connectivity to apply and participate in programs
developing recruitment videos to help families learn about programs like NC Pre-K, home visiting that
builds strong families, and our brand new Wake ThreeSchool (coming fall of 2023)
allocation of equipment grants to early learning sites, encouraging active play and good health
When parents and teachers have access to the resources they need, children thrive. No one individual, agency, or business can meet the needs alone. We can only do it together. And together it works. Join with WCSS, as we celebrate 25 years of partnerships and progress for young children.
Your secure online donation will be processed by PayPal.
Donate by Check
Prefer to donate by check? Please click here to access and print our donation form.
1996 Society
The Society was formed in honor of the visionaries that came together to form WCSS in 1996. When your donations, calculated from July 1, 2017 meet the threshold level of $1,996, you will be offered recognition in the 1996 Society. Please contact Jennifer MacPherson to learn more about this special group of supporters and advocates.
Tribute Gift
Want to make a gift in honor or in memory of someone? Perhaps an early childhood teacher, director or parent educator? Just indicate that when you complete our online or printable donation form, and we’ll notify the honoree with a card acknowledging your gift.
Scholarships
Donations may be designated for the WCSS Scholarship Fund. To have your donation earmarked for this fund, please email Gary Carr, WCSS Director of Finance or call 919-723-9273. For a limited time, all donations made for Pre-K scholarships will be matched by Wake County – extending the reach of your gift.
Gifts of Stock
Diversify your portfolio by investing in young children! For assistance with a gift of stock, please email Jordan Ray, Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual, or call him at 919-755-3258.
Matching Gifts
Many employers, including Red Hat, Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, and Duke Energy Progress support employee giving with a match. Check with your company’s human resources department for its policy. For a limited time, Wake County will match all donations designated for the NC Pre-Kindergarten program. For more information, email Gary Carr, WCSS Director of Finance or call 919-723-9273.
State Employees Combined Campaign
Wake County Smart Start participates in The State Employees Combined Campaign. To designate your gift to WCSS, please use code 2315.
Donate Via AmazonSmile
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to WCSS. Just visit AmazonSmile, log on with your Amazon ID and designate Wake County Smart Start as your charitable organization of choice.
Thank you for helping build a brighter future for young children!
WCSS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donation is tax deductible. For questions about your gift, please contact Jennifer MacPherson, Communications Manager, at (919) 723-9271.
Financial information about Wake County Smart Start and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.