Institute for Child Success, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Institute for Child Success (ICS) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy organization headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Established in 2010, ICS is dedicated to fostering the success of all young children by supporting policymakers, service providers, government agencies, funders, and business leaders focused on early childhood development, healthcare, and education. The organization aims to improve the lives of young children from prenatal stages through age eight and their families.

Mission and Vision

Mission: ICS advances human-centered and equity-focused practices, partners, and policies to transform systems impacting young children and their families.

Vision: The success of all young children.

Primary Area of Focus

ICS concentrates on early childhood development, healthcare, and education, striving to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of all children. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders to address complex early childhood challenges through holistic solutions.

Industry Significance

ICS plays a pivotal role in shaping public policies grounded in research to improve outcomes for young children. By proposing evidence-based policies, sharing knowledge, convening stakeholders, and accelerating impact, ICS contributes significantly to building a more just society and enhancing the well-being of children nationwide.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Policy Research and Advocacy: Conducting research to inform and advocate for policies that support young children and families.

Program Development and Evaluation: Providing support to early childhood programs to maximize their impact through program development and evaluation.

Innovative Financing: Offering smart financial solutions to organizations, governments, and communities to support early childhood initiatives.

Systems Change: Creating systems-level change through resources and outreach to increase equitable and effective measurement practices among the early childhood workforce.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Early Childhood Development: Researching and promoting best practices in early childhood development.

Healthcare: Addressing healthcare needs and disparities affecting young children.

Education: Enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for young children.

Key Technologies Utilized

ICS employs various research methodologies, data analysis tools, and measurement instruments to support its initiatives. Notably, the organization has developed the IMPACT Measures Tool®, a digital repository of measures that allows users to search, compare, and access tools scored on key categories to find the best fit for their community.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

ICS primarily targets early childhood programs, policymakers, philanthropic foundations, and government agencies at federal, state, and local levels. The organization focuses on improving outcomes for young children and families across the United States, with a particular emphasis on reducing inequities in early childhood outcomes.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

ICS has secured funding from various sources, including grants from foundations, consulting fees, and other revenues. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the organization reported total revenues of $6,669,546, with total expenses of $5,028,288. The net assets for this period were $3,718,279.

Total Funds Raised

Since its inception, ICS has catalyzed approximately $948 million for young children and families.

Recent Funding Rounds

In March 2024, ICS received a grant of $800,000 from the Hilton Foundation to support the use of the IMPACT Measures Tool® and provide technical assistance in early childhood development measurement and evaluation.

Notable Investors

ICS has been supported by various foundations and organizations, including the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, the Mary Black Foundation, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, an independent licensee of the BlueCross and BlueShield Association.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are utilized to support ICS's initiatives, including policy research, program development and evaluation, innovative financing projects, and systems change efforts aimed at improving outcomes for young children and families.

Pipeline Development

As a research and policy organization, ICS does not have a traditional product pipeline. Instead, the organization focuses on developing and implementing various initiatives and projects to support early childhood development. Notable initiatives include:

IMPACT Measures Tool®: A digital repository of measures that allows users to search, compare, and access tools scored on key categories to find the best fit for their community.

Hello Family Spartanburg Initiative: A program aimed at reducing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, achieving a 91% success rate in preventing such admissions.

Reach Out and Read: An initiative supporting children's reading journeys, impacting 4.6 million children.

Strong Nation Initiative: An initiative with 8,000 members across 50 states, focusing on strengthening early childhood systems.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

IMPACT Measures Tool®: A digital repository of measures that allows users to search, compare, and access tools scored on key categories to find the best fit for their community.

Significant Scientific Methods

Measurement and Evaluation: ICS employs various research methodologies, data analysis tools, and measurement instruments to support its initiatives, including the IMPACT Measures Tool®.

Leadership Team

ICS is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to promoting the success of all young children and families. Key members include:

Jamie Moon: Chief Executive Officer

Tyson Barker, PhD: Chief Science & Innovation Officer

Mary C. Garvey: Chief of Equity, Innovative Financing & Communications

Jill Boxler: Executive Vice President of Strong Nation

Aimée Drouin Duncan, PhD: Vice President of Evaluation and Practice

Mari Strand Cary, PhD: Vice President of Evaluation and Practice

Megan Carolan: Vice President of Policy Research

John Young Shik Concklin: Vice President of Strategy & Finance

Katie Hammond: Vice President of Communications

These leaders bring years of varied experience to the organization, driving its mission to improve outcomes for all young children.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The early childhood development sector is characterized by a diverse range of organizations, including research institutions, policy advocacy groups, and service providers. The market is driven by the increasing recognition of the importance of early childhood development and the need for evidence-based policies and programs to support young children and their families.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this sector include:

Child Trends: A nonprofit, nonpartisan research center based in Bethesda, Maryland, focusing on children, families, and child well-being.

WestEd: A San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that conducts research, development, and services to promote excellence and equity in education and human development.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.: A U.S.-based child-care provider and the largest provider of employer-sponsored child care, also offering back-up child care and elder care.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ICS collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity. Notable collaborations include:

Hilton Foundation: In March 2024, ICS received a grant of $800,000 from the Hilton Foundation to support the use of the IMPACT Measures Tool® and provide technical assistance in early childhood development measurement and evaluation.

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