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.
Key facts about Wake County Smart Start Inc
- EIN
- 56-1949415
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $21,651,028
- Grants made (2025)
- 39
- Average grant
- $555,155
- Median grant
- $357,000
- Total assets
- $4,446,723
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (82% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated June 2026.
Who Wake County Smart Start Inc funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Wake County Smart Start Inc's 39 itemized 2025 grants were North Carolina (82%) and Georgia (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Raleigh, NC (23 grants), Cary, NC (5 grants) and Apex, NC (3 grants). None of its 39 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Nc Prek, Wake Threeschool" (12 grants), "Financial Assistance Contract" (10 grants) and "Nc Prek" (5 grants).
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.
Ready to take the next step with Wake County Smart Start Inc?
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
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest recipients include Childcare Network Inc ($3,082,694), Wake County Public Schools ($2,684,556), Creative Schools Inc ($1,303,892).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CHILDCARE NETWORK INC COLUMBUS, GA | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $3,082,694 |
| WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT | $2,684,556 |
| CREATIVE SCHOOLS INC RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $1,303,892 |
| BRIGHT BEGINNINGS OF CARY INC CARY, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL, QUALITY ENHANCEMENT | $1,222,922 |
| PRIMARY BEGINNINGS CHILD DEVELOPMENT RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK | $1,066,440 |
| THE HAPPY FACE PRESCHOOL RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $880,446 |
| ACADEMICALLY BASED CHILD RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $797,586 |
| KIDS FIRST ACADEMY INC RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $759,528 |
| ABC LAND INC II WENDELL, NC | NC PREK | $728,374 |
| TELAMON CORPORATION RALEIGH, NC | NC PREK, WAKE THREESCHOOL | $680,820 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wake County Smart Start Inc fund?
**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 …
How do I apply for a grant from Wake County Smart Start Inc?
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. **Grant Activity:** • Total giving: $21,763,190 (based on most recent IRS 990 filing) • Typical award range: $5,000–$3,082,694 • Focus areas: Education, Human Services, and Health Care **Programs Administered:** • **NC Pre-K Program:** Provides high-quality educational experiences for eligible four-year-olds in full …
Where does Wake County Smart Start Inc make grants?
Wake County, North Carolina, with primary service area in the greater Raleigh region.
What size grants does Wake County Smart Start Inc award?
In 2025, Wake County Smart Start Inc awarded 39 grants totaling $21.7M — an average of about $555K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Wake County Smart Start Inc's EIN?
Wake County Smart Start Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-1949415. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Wake County Smart Start Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.