Our Impact

Local property taxes. Local children. Local impact.

For nearly 25 years, The Children’s Trust has invested voter-approved property tax dollars in programs that help build a stronger future for children and families across Miami-Dade County.

For less than $7 per month to the average homeowner, we fund hundreds of community-based programs at more than 2,000 sites countywide, expanding access to high-quality early child care, after-school and summer programs offering literacy, STEM, sports, and arts activities, school-based health care, parenting supports, and neighborhood-based family services.

What began in 2002 as a community commitment to children of all abilities has grown into one of Florida’s largest local resources for children from birth to young adulthood, ensuring a stronger future for Miami-Dade.

Amendment 3:

Implications for Children, Families, and Community Investments

This informational overview explains the potential impact if Amendment 3 passes in November. With over 90% of The Children’s Trust budget dedicated to direct services, this will impact the availability of early intervention and high-quality child care, after-school and summer learning programs, summer youth internships, school health services, parenting supports, and/or assistance for families in crisis.

Projected Financial Impact

Accountability to Taxpayers

Agencies funded by The Children’s Trust must follow strict accountability and reporting procedures that ensure transparency. Program performance is reviewed daily, site visits are conducted regularly, and a fiscal review is performed monthly to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. These efforts are especially impressive given that administrative costs remain at a record low of 5.6% in the current budget year. The Children’s Trust has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 13 consecutive years.

The Children’s Trust budget and funding priorities are established by an independent, 33-member volunteer board of directors representing leaders across Miami-Dade, with membership defined by the Florida Statute.

Cost to Homeowners

The average annual cost for homeowners with homestead exemption is $83.04, or less than $7 per month. This is based on the current 2025-26 millage rate of 0.4638 (below the maximum of 0.5000).