The Call Foundation's Early Childhood Grant Program supports organizations and initiatives that assist children (ages zero through eight-years-old), parents, caregivers, and teachers. The foundation seeks to ensure all children and families in Utah and our region have equal access to high-quality early childhood education and mental health services.
Our Focus: Early Childhood Education & Family Mental Health
At the Call Foundation, we invest in the early years—when the foundation for a child’s lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing is formed. We support organizations on the ground that are making a measurable difference in the lives of children and families across Utah and the Intermountain West.
Our grantmaking focuses on early childhood education and mental health, with an emphasis on equity and access. We believe that every child—regardless of background—deserves the opportunity to thrive. By supporting high-impact organizations working directly with families, educators, and communities, we aim to address root causes and create lasting change.
Why Early Childhood Matters
The first years of life are a period of unparalleled growth and opportunity. During this time, a child’s brain develops rapidly, shaped by early experiences, relationships, and environments. Positive experiences in early childhood lay the groundwork for school readiness, emotional resilience, and lifelong success.
Conversely, early adversity—including trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities—can have lasting negative effects. Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shows that exposure to early trauma is linked to poor health outcomes, developmental delays, and increased risk for poverty and justice system involvement later in life. These challenges are disproportionately experienced by children of color and other historically marginalized communities.
That’s why we take an upstream approach: by investing early, we can prevent harm, support families, and strengthen communities for generations.
Our Vision
We support evidence-informed, community-rooted programs that address the most pressing needs of young children and those who care for them. This includes trauma-informed mental health services, high-quality early education, and family support programs that build confidence, connection, and long-term stability.
Our partners are innovators and changemakers—organizations delivering services with compassion, equity, and measurable impact. By backing their work, we are advancing a shared vision: that every child in our region has the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and ready to succeed.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable future—starting at the beginning.