Kresge Foundation plans $20 million effort to boost children

TROY (AP) - The Kresge Foundation is planning a $20 million, 5-year initiative to promote the healthy development of Detroit children.

The Kresge Early Years for Success Detroit Initiative announced last week includes investment in early childhood centers, funding of neighborhood collaborations and support for those who work with young children.

The Troy-based foundation says it includes a $3 million program-related investment to create the Detroit Quality Fund. The low-interest loan program will invest in early childhood centers that need renovations and expansions as well as in other facilities that serve young children in the Detroit area.

A Kresge-commissioned report from IFF, a partner in the KEYS: Detroit initiative, estimates that nearly 28,000 of the city's children up to age five lacked access to quality early childhood care.

Published: Mon, Jan 11, 2016