How Are Head Start Programs Funded?

Funding for Head Start programs is required by federal law to come from the federal government and the local community of a qualifying program, according to the Minnesota House of Representatives website.

The federal government has funded Head Start programs through local nonprofit and for-profit agencies since 1964. Some states, such as Minnesota and Washington, add state funds to Head Start programs, although this is not required by law.

Federal law covering the Head Start program requires local communities to contribute 20 percent of the funding required for a Head Start program. Many community groups meet federal funding requirements through charitable donations such as volunteer hours and the cost of donated materials.

The Office of Head Start website reports Head Start programs aim to prepare preschool children ages 3 to 5 for school. Local groups provide services including educational, nutritional and social services to low-income children and their families.