Wake County Smart Start (WCSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1996, the organization operates as a private-public partnership focused on early childhood education and family services. WCSS serves children ages birth to 5 and their families, with a particular focus on populations impacted by poverty. The organization administers public programs, funds community-based initiatives, and works to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of child care and family services across Wake County.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.4M
+11.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$21.7M
+12.7% YoY
Grant Count
39
+14.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$555K
-1.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Wake County Smart Start invests in young children, their families, and a connected early childhood system that supports and prepares them for school and life ahead.
Core Beliefs:
- Learning begins at birth
- All children deserve the best opportunities to grow
- Families and communities play a critical role in children's learning
- Collaboration is essential to accomplish the vision
- Poverty is not destiny—if we invest in children and families, they will thrive
Primary Focus Areas:
- Early childhood education and school readiness
- Human services and family support
- Health care services for young children
- Parenting support programs
- Mental health services
- Early literacy programs
- Quality improvement in child care facilities
- Professional development for early childhood educators
Grantmaking
WCSS functions both as a grant administrator and funder. The organization distributes funding to community partners and programs serving young children and families in Wake County.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Wake County, North Carolina, with primary service area in the greater Raleigh region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2025 (Most Recent Filing):
- Total Assets: $4,446,723
- Total Revenue: $27,914,896
- Total Expenses: $27,249,271
- Total Liabilities: $200,000
- Total Giving: $21,763,190
Tax-Exempt Status: Designated as a 501(c)(3) organization since March 1996.
Financial Notes: The organization reported conflict of interest transactions on its most recent tax filing.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,446,723 | $3,982,549 | $4,304,569 |
| Revenue | $27,914,896 | $25,102,327 | $22,907,110 |
| Expenses | $27,249,271 | $25,028,627 | $22,422,941 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $183,388 | $195,894 | $78,125 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
199 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Director: Gayle Headen
Staffing: The organization employs 49 staff members (as of 2025).
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAYLE HEADEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $155,915 |
| GARY CARR | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $151,239 |
| KATHERINE WILLIAMS | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| NIKIA COATES | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| MATTHEW ELLINWOOD | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MATTHEW GLOVA | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| ANDRE ANTHONY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| VERONICA CREECH | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| HEATHER DRENNAN | DIRECTOR THR FEB 2025 | 1 | — |
| SUSAN EVANS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ARIEL FORD | DIRECTOR FR OCT 2024 | 1 | — |
| SHERRY HEUSER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICKEY HOLT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NIKKI LEONARD | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| RONETTA PEARSALL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANTONIA PEDROZA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEPHANIE SHELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHERYL STALLINGS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TONYA VENABLE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOE WHITE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STACEY WILSON-NORMAN | DIRECTOR THR FEB 2025 | 1 | — |
| CAROL C ORJI | DIRECTOR OF ECI | 40 | $115,142 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In fiscal year 2023-24, WCSS served approximately 3,000 young children (birth to age 5), nearly all of whom were impacted by poverty. This represents only 15% of the children in Wake County who are eligible for WCSS programs, indicating a significant unmet need due to insufficient funding.
Local Grant Recipients Awarded Federal Funds to Ensure Children Start KindergartenThe organization has received federal funding to expand community resilience initiatives and support programs addressing children's health and kindergarten readiness.
Smart Start Funds Local Organizations to Address ResilienceSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
The Hillbrook Gkp Iii Foundation Inc
GREENSBORO, NC
Assets
$32K
Grants
1
Total Given
$2K
Rotary Club of Salisbury Charities
SALISBURY, NC
Assets
$39K
Grants
1
Total Given
$50K
Ihope Foundation
GREENSBORO, NC
Assets
$10K
Grants
1
Total Given
$20K
Orange County Partnership for Young
HILLSBOROUGH, NC
Assets
$477K
Grants
18
Total Given
$2.1M
North Carolina Baptist Hospital
WINSTONSALEM, NC
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
17
Total Given
$634K
The Anne Shuford Mcbryde
ASHEVILLE, NC
Assets
$970K
Grants
19
Total Given
$49K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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