Making Wise Investments

First Things First is currently funded by a voter-enacted tax on tobacco products.   Arizona’s youngest children benefit directly by 90% of our funds - only 10% goes for administration. 

Arizona communities, through the Regional Partnership Councils, receive 81 cents of every dollar generated for First Things First.   The amount of money allocated to each Regional Councils is based on the number of children birth through age five in their community – with extra consideration given for children living in poverty.

Supported Parents and Families = Ready Families
$27.9 million in 2010. $139.5 million over next 5 years.

Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can have. For families with very young children, it is never too early to offer help.  READ MORE...

Healthy Children = Ready Children
$19.9 million in 2010. $99.5 million over next 5 years.

Good health and development begins before a baby is born and continues throughout the first years of life. Healthy children are ready to learn in school, and miss fewer days due to illness.  READ MORE...

Quality Early Learning Opportunities = Ready Schools
$53.8 million in 2009-2010. $269.0 million over next 5 years.

Early childhood is the beginning of the education continuum. Children who attend high quality early childhood programs are more likely to be ready to enter school ready to learn and succeed in life. Unfortunately, the children that benefit most from early learning resources tend to have the least access to them.  READ MORE...

Educated Teachers and Caregivers = Ready Teachers and Caregivers
$12.4 million in 2010. $62.0 million over next 5 years.

Qualified teachers and caregivers are vital in impacting positive outcomes in young children's development and learning. Children also learn best when they have a consistent adult teacher or caregiver  READ MORE...

Public Education and Awareness = Ready Communities
$3.8 million in 2010. $19.0 million over next 5 years.

First Things First supports public education and awareness by providing accessible information and resources on early childhood development and health and the benefits of this investment for every citizen of Arizona.  READ MORE...

View Programs and Services funded by Regional Partnership Councils

First Things First Funding-at-a-Glance