• 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.

Special interest was 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.