Improve and expand the scope of learning environments of children and youth, especially those from economically and socially disadvantaged families.

Promote positive interactions among children, youth, and adults through programs that actively involve parents, staff and volunteers, and embrace on-going professional development for those that deal directly with children and create their learning environments.

With special interest given to proposed projects that offer a high return on investment, defined by an opportunity to create a synergistic effect on funding, a means to increase the organization's economic self-sufficiency or similar projects that will enhance efficiency and benefit the organization for the long term.