The Children First Trust Fund was initiated in the mid 1990's by a group of advocates and legislators who wanted to improve the lives of children in Alabama. Efforts focused on increasing cigarette taxes to fund a wide array of needed programs and services.  For several years the Children First legislation was introduced but not passed, each year gaining more credibility and supporters. During the same period, negotiations were being conducted between tobacco companies and the states to settle lawsuits stemming from the health costs of smoking.

At the end of the legislative session in 1998, any potential tobacco settlement funds were linked to Children First.  Later that year, the landmark agreement between the states and big tobacco was reached and settlement dollars began to come to the state in late 2000.

The 21st Century Fund was set up to receive the settlement and distribute funds to pay for economic development books, medical care, and programs for the elderly, with the majority of the settlement going to the Children First Trust Fund. 

Children First FY2006 Annual Report

Children First FY2005 Annual Report

Children First FY2004 Annual Report

Children First FY2003 Annual Report

Children First FY2002 Annual Report

Plan of Investment Form