Forty Carrots Family Center

What Forty Carrots Family Center does

Forty Carrots Family Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1993 by Betsy Kane-Hartnett and Diane Weiss in Sarasota, Florida, providing integrated early childhood education, parenting education, and child & family therapy services to families across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. The organization operates three coordinated program areas: (1) The Preschool at Forty Carrots, a NAEYC-accredited play-based program for children ages 2-5 using The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and Handwriting Without Tears; (2) Parenting Education through the proprietary Partners In Play (PIP) curriculum, Circle of Security (an 8-week, 12-hour court-approved parenting program), Partners In Movement, and Welcome to Our World; and (3) Child & Family Therapy, offering licensed mental health counseling including play therapy, trauma/grief support, postpartum care, and divorce/co-parenting guidance. The integrated model is delivered across two physical campuses — a Preschool Campus at 1500 S Tuttle Avenue and a 6,900 sq. ft. Parenting Education & Mental Health Center at 1350 Cattlemen Road completed in 2020 — plus 30+ community partner locations spanning public libraries, Title 1 schools, teen parent programs, and nonprofit organizations across the three-county service area.

The business model is primarily philanthropic. Approximately 71% of revenue derives from community contributions, grants, and fundraising events, with the remainder from limited fee-for-service revenue including preschool tuition (with a $100 application fee and $450 annual registration), Partners In Play in-house sessions at $66 per 3-week session, and sliding-scale therapy fees. In practice, 92-96% of clients receive services free or at low cost. Distribution combines a direct-to-consumer channel at the Parenting Center with a community-led channel that leverages public libraries, schools, and partner nonprofits as service delivery sites; virtual/telephone parenting consultations extend reach further. The technology stack is operationally non-core — standard website, social media, email, and video conferencing tools only — and there is no proprietary digital platform, AI/ML component, or external API. Annual reach exceeds 5,000-6,097 clients, with 2,233 free community outreach groups and 2,843 therapy sessions delivered per year.

Operational efficiency is high: 93% of every dollar goes directly to program services. Mental health services have grown over 70% since the 2020 campus expansion, with the organization projecting to double that capacity over the next five years. Funding partners include the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust (matching gift program), Gulf Coast Community Foundation ($75,000 for the Mental Health Internship & Training Program), Bishop Parker Foundation ($75,000 in 2025 and $50,000 in 2024), Ian Black Real Estate ($15,000), and Suncoast Credit Union Foundation ($5,000). The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees currently chaired by Ben Jones, with CEO Michelle Kapreilian, CFO Diane O'Driscoll, and Chief Program Officer Carla Johanns leading day-to-day operations. External validations include GuideStar Platinum Transparency 2025, Charity Navigator 4-Star Designation, NAEYC accreditation, Florida Gold Seal Quality Care designation (License #58-03-00397), and three consecutive years as a Sarasota Herald-Tribune Top Workplace.

Name

Forty Carrots Family Center

Legal name

Forty Carrots Family Center

Website

https://fortycarrots.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Forty Carrots Family Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 in Sarasota, Florida, providing integrated NAEYC-accredited preschool education, evidence-based parenting programs (Partners In Play, Circle of Security), and licensed child and family therapy to families across three counties, serving over 5,000 clients annually with 93% of budget directed to programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Family Services / Early Childhood Education

NAICS

Child Care Services (6244), Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ), Family & Parent Support Services (Parent Coaching, Advocacy) (EDAJALAK), Toddler-Focused Childcare Centers (EDACAAAG)

Keywords

• Parenting education programs
• Early childhood education
• Child family therapy
• NAEYC accredited preschool
• Community family services

Headquarters

HQ city

Sarasota

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: The majority of revenue (71%) comes from community contributions, grants, and fundraising events. Donors at various levels ($10,000+ at 'Jewels' level, major donors, individual contributors) support the organization's mission. The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust offers matching funds for eligible donations.
2. Special Events: Annual fundraising events including Wine Women & Shoes (celebrating 20 years) generate funds to support programs. The event attracts 450+ attendees and features sponsors like MARLOW Med Aesthetics as presenting sponsor.
3. Program Fees: Some services are fee-based including Partners In Play sessions ($66 per 3-week session) and preschool tuition. However, 92-96% of clients receive services free or on a sliding scale.
4. Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation ($75,000 for Mental Health Internship Program), Suncoast Credit Union Foundation ($5,000 for Partners In Play), Ian Black Real Estate ($15,000), and numerous other foundations supporting specific programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Forty Carrots Family Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers three integrated service pillars: a NAEYC-accredited play-based preschool for children ages 2–5, parenting education programs (Partners In Play, Circle of Security, Partners In Movement, Welcome to Our World, Lactation Loop), and licensed child & family therapy services. Programs are offered at the organization's two Sarasota campuses and through 30+ community partner locations including public libraries, schools, and nonprofit agencies across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. The majority of clients (92–96%) receive services free or at low cost on a sliding scale.

Product overview

Forty Carrots Family Center operates as a nonprofit organization delivering three integrated service components: (1) The Preschool at Forty Carrots, a NAEYC-accredited play-based preschool for children ages 2–5 using Creative Curriculum and related methodologies; (2) the Parenting Education Program featuring Partners In Play (PIP), Circle of Security, and related parenting groups offered both in-house and through extensive community outreach; and (3) Child & Family Therapy providing licensed mental health services. These programs are delivered across two physical campuses (Preschool Campus at 1500 S Tuttle Ave; Parenting & Mental Health Center at 1350 Cattlemen Rd) and 30+ community partner locations. The organization serves over 5,000 clients annually, with 92–96% receiving services free or at low cost on a sliding scale.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Preschool at Forty Carrots A NAEYC-accredited preschool serving children ages 2–5, utilizing a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum incorporating The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment, Handwriting Without Tears, enhanced science projects, and The Kindness Curriculum. Features degreed teachers and low student-teacher ratios. Financial assistance and scholarships available (27% of enrolled preschool students supported through scholarships).
• Partners In Play (PIP) A signature play-based parenting education program offered both in-house and through community outreach at libraries, schools, and partner organizations. Serves parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 5. The in-house fee-based version is offered at $66 per 3-week session.
• Child & Family Therapy Licensed, child-centered mental health services offering evidence-based counseling for children, adolescents, and caregivers. Services include play therapy, postpartum support, trauma and grief counseling, and divorce/co-parenting guidance, with sliding-scale fees. 2,843 therapy sessions provided annually; 100% of therapy clients showed measurable progress in home and school settings.
• Circle of Security Parenting An 8-week, 12-hour relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Court-approved and provided free of charge. Certificate of completion meets 12th Judicial Circuit Court requirements and Safe Children Coalition standards.
• Community Outreach Program Free parenting education and mental health services delivered at 30+ community partner locations including schools, libraries, and nonprofits across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of parents report growth in protective factors that prevent abuse and neglect
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Sarasota County LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerForty Carrots delivers free Partners In Play parenting groups at 8+ library locations throughout Sarasota County. Services are provided at no cost to families at Elsie Quirk, William H. Jervey Venice, North Port, North Sarasota, Shannon Staub, Jacaranda, Gulf Gate, and Selby libraries.
• Manatee County LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree Partners In Play groups delivered at 7+ Manatee County library locations including Downtown Central, South Manatee, Palmetto, Braden River, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch, and SOAR Lab.
• SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to provide mental health services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Forty Carrots provides parenting and mental health support as part of SPARCC's comprehensive services for Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
• Safe Children CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration serving Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties as lead agency for community-based care. Safe Children Coalition acts as referral source and partner for child welfare prevention and family support programs.
• First 1000 Days SuncoastflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partnership in First 1000 Days Sarasota, a community collaborative providing better access to prenatal, newborn, and early childhood development care. Forty Carrots is a key provider in this initiative focused on the critical first 1,000 days of life.
• Sarasota County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with multiple schools including CYESIS Teen Parent Programs at Riverview High and North Port High, Title 1 schools (Alta Vista, Brentwood, Fruitville, Gocio, Tuttle Elementary). Forty Carrots provides mental health groups, individual therapy, and parenting education.
• School District of Manatee CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOAR IN 4 program provides bilingual parenting groups at 6 Title 1 public schools. Teenage Parent Program (TAPP) provides weekly parenting education during school year. Both programs support high-need families.
• Children's Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing emotional, financial, and educational support services for children battling cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families.
• Child Protection CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership focused on prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties at no cost to families.
• Pace Center for GirlscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerForty Carrots provides mental health and parenting support services for girls and young women served by Pace, supporting their mission of safety and opportunity.
• Selah FreedomcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing Circle of Security parenting groups for survivors of sex trafficking as part of Selah Freedom's comprehensive support services.
• NAMI Sarasota and Manatee CountiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with National Alliance on Mental Illness for mental health support, education, and advocacy in the community.
• Education Foundation of Sarasota CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to enhance potential of students and promote excellence in teaching, with joint initiatives for early childhood education.
• Bosses for BabiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForty Carrots partners in this initiative bringing together business champions for early childhood, promoting family-friendly practices in local businesses.
• Lactation Loop of SarasotaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support groups at Forty Carrots facilities, providing expert lactation consultation for new parents.
• Lightshare Behavioral WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing parenting education groups at Lightshare's Mothers and Infants Program for mothers recovering from addictions.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Children's Home Society of Florida: Florida statewide nonprofit providing child welfare, family preservation, and early childhood services through a similar integrated model. Directly comparable given overlapping mission in family support, parenting education, and child mental health within the same state regulatory environment.
• Parents as Teachers National Center: National nonprofit delivering evidence-based parent education through home visiting and group sessions, similar in curriculum philosophy to Forty Carrots' Partners In Play. Comparable as a national-scale peer offering parent-mediated early childhood support services.
• SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center): Sarasota-based nonprofit providing trauma services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including parenting support groups delivered in partnership with Forty Carrots. Closely overlapping in mission and service geography.
• Child Protection Center: Sarasota and DeSoto County nonprofit focused on prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. Comparable as a regional family services nonprofit operating in the same service geography with overlapping child welfare mission.
• Jewish Family & Children's Service of Sarasota Manatee: Local Sarasota-Manatee nonprofit offering integrated family services, counseling, and case management. Comparable given shared service geography, similar integrated service model, and overlapping client base of families and children.
• Healthy Families America: Prevent Child Abuse America's signature home visiting program operating nationwide through accredited local sites. Comparable given the shared mission of voluntary, evidence-based family support and parenting education for at-risk families.
• Safe Children Coalition: Lead community-based care agency for child welfare in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Comparable as a regional referral partner and peer organization serving the same child welfare and family preservation population.

Broad incumbents

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties: Regional affiliate of a national youth development nonprofit serving children of similar age demographics in the same geography. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering youth and family programming across multiple sites, though without the integrated therapy component.
• YMCA of Southwest Florida: Regional YMCA serving Sarasota and surrounding counties with youth programs, childcare, and family services. Comparable as a broader community-services incumbent offering preschool and youth programming in overlapping geography, though not specialized in early intervention or therapy.

Emerging players

• ParentChild+: National early childhood organization focused on school readiness through home-based literacy and parent education for families with young children. Comparable given shared emphasis on parent-mediated early childhood development, though operating through a home-visiting rather than group-session model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FortyCarrotsFamilyCenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/fortycarrotsfamilycenter

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forty Carrots Family Center