Early Language & Literacy Development in California

Early Care Spaces is an open application grant program that provides grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old. Donor Name: Kenneth Rainin Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This new program will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old. Research suggests that the opportunity to help children grow and improve literacy is greatest from early care through second grade. The Rainin Foundation supports equitable approaches to literacy during these early years. Early Care Spaces commemorates the 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking and honors the vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This will be an annual program that aims to advance work that focuses on:  Supporting children to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills and increase confidence in listening and speaking.  Opportunities that recognize parents and caregivers as leaders in their children’s education and increase their capacity to support early literacy.  Career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers to lead language-rich, developmentally appropriate and culturally affirming care.  Early Care Spaces Grant Priorities Oakland’s early care funding landscape is shifting due to an influx of public dollars; however, gaps and needs still exist, particularly in informal care. The Rainin Foundation aims to support these needs through this funding opportunity. The Early Care Spaces grant program will prioritize the following: Early care provided outside of traditional education systems, including family resource centers and community spaces. While traditional systems (e.g., public and private preschools or Head Start programs) do not qualify for this opportunity, organizations that partner with them are welcome to apply.  Programs with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care.  Diverse organizations and providers that reflect the neighborhood and communities they serve.  Work that is happening in the Oakland flatlands, especially neighborhoods experiencing disinvestment and the displacement of BIPOC communities. Funding Information Applicants can request up to $100,000. Grant Period January 1, 2025-December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria  Foundation accepts applications from organizations that meet the following criteria. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations or 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors. All fiscal sponsorships require a written agreement. Organizations must provide services for Oakland children, educators or families. While an organization can operate and provide services outside of Oakland, the funding can only go towards its Oakland-based programming. The Foundation does not fund: Initiatives or programs designed for children ages 6+. Capital campaign requests. Sports, athletic events or league sponsorship. Advertising or promotional sponsorship. Fraternal organizations. Organizations that discriminate based on religion, race, sexual orientation or gender. For more information, visit KRF.