Pros and Cons of In-House vs Outsourced Grant Writing
Depending on the size and budget of your organization, you may have an in-house grant writer or...
2 min read
From the CEO, Coco Du:
At Way to Grow, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. As someone who came to the U.S. as a teen with limited English, I know the power of being seen, supported, and given the opportunity to learn.
I love this work because it brings people together, families, educators, and partners to build brighter futures for our children. I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow, connect, and invest in the potential of every child.
About the Organization:
At Way to Grow, we believe that a child’s journey to success begins long before they set foot in a classroom. Since 1989, we’ve been walking alongside families throughout Minneapolis, and now into Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, St. Louis Park, and beyond, delivering personalized, high-impact support right where it matters most: in the home.
At Way to Grow, our mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child is born healthy, stays healthy, and enters school ready to learn and thrive. As a nonprofit dedicated to closing early learning and health disparities, we walk alongside families to meet today’s challenges head-on. We know parents and caregivers are their child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why we work in partnership with families from pregnancy through third grade, offering free, culturally responsive parenting and early childhood programming tailored to each family’s unique needs.
Our signature Great by Eight program provides consistent, year-round support through home visits, one-on-one tutoring, and resource referrals that address the many factors influencing a child’s readiness for school. Whether it’s navigating healthcare systems, understanding grade-level expectations, or creating a literacy-rich home environment, we equip families with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed together.
In 2024, our impact was clear. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of children enrolled in our program were assessed as ready for kindergarten, consistently outperforming both state and national averages for school readiness. Over time, we see families gain new skills and children thrive, creating a ripple effect
that strengthens not just their households, but their friendships, neighborhoods, and schools. In the words of Shania, a Way to Grow alum: “Twenty years ago, my mom made one brave phone call to Way to Grow, and it changed everything. Today, I’m a first-generation college student, a homeowner, and a high school achievement specialist. My brother is earning his master’s degree to become a physician assistant.”
Stories like Shania’s are wonderful reminders that investing in families is both life-changing and community-building today, and for generations to come.