Massachusetts does not require kindergarten as the beginning of school education, yet research has proven its strong values for children’s education. Therefore in 1999 a few leading institutions—Head Start, Boston Public Schools, The Boston Children’s Museum, the Zero-to-Eight Coalition (now Community Partnerships for Children), and the Citywide Educational Coalition—founded Countdown to Kindergarten, not only to improve children’s preparation for kindergarten, but to raise public awareness about the issue. After eight years the collaboration includes 28 Boston organizations, who partner with the Mayor, the Boston School Committee, and the Superintendent of Schools, to host more than 40 parent and primary care-provider information sessions each year; to disseminate more than 12,000 copies of informational literature, and a multi-lingual “I’m Ready!” DVD to families who register for kindergarten; and to host an annual Kindergarten Kickoff for more than 2000 participants. Almost 93% of Boston children now enter school at kindergarten rather than first grade; 83% of families register early, to increase the likelihood of admission to their first-choice schools; the portion of families who visit schools before registration, to make informed choices, has increased from 23% to nearly 60%. Countdown’s budget has grown modestly, while its productivity has multiplied. This is highly efficient philanthropy, and you can join it.