Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems SEED Project: Scaling Effective Early Childhood Systems Development (ECCS SEED)

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems SEED Project: Scaling Effective Early Childhood Systems Development (ECCS SEED) is a grant initiative led by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a key agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As part of HRSA’s ongoing commitment to maternal and child health, the ECCS SEED Project seeks to support comprehensive, scalable strategies that address the root causes of chronic disease in early childhood. This grant opportunity builds on prior efforts to strengthen early childhood systems at the state and local levels, focusing on improving access to health care, early screening for mental and physical health needs, and expanding connections to supportive family services. The primary objective of the ECCS SEED initiative is to partner with states and communities to implement evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for families during the prenatal-to-age-five (P-5) period. The program prioritizes the integration of health, social services, and early childhood systems, recognizing the interconnected factors that shape child development and long-term health. Funding will be delivered via cooperative agreements, signifying close collaboration between recipients and HRSA to execute and evaluate the selected strategies. A total of eight awards are anticipated under this funding opportunity, with a collective program budget of approximately $7,000,000. Individual awards may reach up to $875,000. The ECCS SEED Project does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which can ease participation for smaller or under-resourced organizations. While the specific allowable uses of funding are not itemized in the forecast, grantees can expect to engage in systemic planning, service integration, and data-driven evaluation processes. Eligible applicants include a broad range of domestic entities such as tribal governments and organizations, city and county governments, independent school districts, state governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and other for-profit entities. The opportunity is open to all U.S. states, territories, and affiliated jurisdictions, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pacific island nations under the Compact of Free Association. Applications are expected to open on March 2, 2026, and are due by May 1, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The anticipated award notification will be issued by July 1, 2026, with projects slated to commence on August 1, 2026. The opportunity is forecasted to be recurring on an annual basis. There are currently no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. All inquiries related to this funding opportunity can be directed to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau - Division of Home Visiting and Early Childhood Systems at (301) 443-2170. As a forecasted opportunity, interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Grants.gov portal and HRSA’s official channels for updates and the formal release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).