The Dekko Foundation accepts applications on an ongoing basis.Priority areas are:Early Childhood DevelopmentThe foundation seeks to make a measurable difference in:The number of parents who thrive in their role as their child’s first and best teacher.The number of homes, childcare centers and preschools that put child development principles into practice.The number of early childhood programs with the ability to support children’s development.The level of community involvement in the development of children ages birth to five.Middle Childhood DevelopmentThe foundation seeks to make a measurable difference in:The number of parents who are involved in the quality of their child’s education.The number of traditional learning environments that shift their focus on adult needs toward a concentration on children’s needs.The number of learning environments that align with children’s developmental needs.The number of Developmental Assets that children possess.The number of youth-serving organizations with the ability to address the developmental needs of 6-12 year olds.The level of community involvement in the development of 6-12 year olds.Adolescent DevelopmentThe foundation seeks to make a measurable difference inThe number of parents who are actively involved in the quality of their child’s education.The number of traditional learning environments that shift from a focus on adult needs toward a concentration on children’s needs.The number of learning environments that align with children’s developmental needs.The number of Developmental Assets that adolescents possess.The number of youth-serving organizations with the ability to address the developmental needs of 13-18 year olds.The level of community involvement in the development of 13-18 year olds.The number and of quality leadership opportunities where young people can gain a closer connection to their community.The number and quality of opportunities for young people to gain real responsibility and take meaningful steps toward economic freedom.Community DevelopmentThe foundation seeks to make a measurable difference in:The number of communities that have the baseline information they need to understand their strengths and weaknesses.The number of communities that have an overall plan for addressing their needs and building on their strengths.Communities’ ability to provide families with leisure-time activities that expose young people to new areas of interest.The number of communities that consider young people as they develop business opportunities, provide leadership skill development and promote charitable activities.The number of communities that ensure that young people and families have the opportunity to build a strong bond with their community.The foundation makes grants in specific geographic areas. They are:* Limestone County, AL* DeKalb, LaGrange, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley Counties, IN* Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, and Union Counties, IA* Norman County, MN 3/30