This guide from The Bridgespan Group identifies four critical areas for philanthropic investment by individual donors and foundations that address key needs of children and families and build on progress in the last decade.
HealthySteps is highlighted in the resource and accompanying case studies as an example of how philanthropic investment has successfully served as a catalyst and foundation for scale.
[…] HealthySteps has grown dramatically, now supporting over 360 pediatric practices across 25 states, in Washington, DC, and at military bases. Moreover, it has demonstrated how to achieve wide coverage within a state: in Arkansas, it reaches approximately half of children under age 3.
Kaufmann, K., Davies, M., & Brondfield, R. (2026). Investing in our future: Critical ways philanthropy can help every young child and family thrive. The Bridgespan Group.
HealthySteps’s measurement, evaluation, and learning processes helped it better meet the needs of diverse communities and families—for example, by providing evidence of the most effective intensive supports for families with more significant risk factors and/or concerns. Its policy efforts helped secure reimbursement to cover the operating costs of adding a specialist to the care team. At every stage, national and regional donors have been vital to helping HealthySteps strengthen its program and reach more children and families. (See “Case Study: Healthy Steps in Arkansas” on Bridgespan.org.)
