Comprehensive Grant

The FY26–27 Comprehensive Grant Application, administered by South Carolina First Steps, is a dual-purpose funding opportunity designed exclusively for the state's network of Local Partnerships. This grant combines formula funding with opportunities to apply for READY (Resources for Early Advancement and Development in Youth) and Innovation Investment funding. The Comprehensive Grant is an integral mechanism to support the First Steps mission of ensuring South Carolina’s children are prepared for success in school. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with both the overarching goals of the First Steps system and their locally-identified needs as defined in partnership strategic plans. South Carolina First Steps is a state-level initiative created to support early childhood development, kindergarten readiness, and family support systems. Through a mix of state-appropriated and categorical funds, the agency offers fiscal and strategic oversight to Local Partnerships. The Comprehensive Grant is structured to distribute base formula funding according to criteria outlined by statute and regulation, while also incentivizing innovation and high-impact programming through competitive opportunities like READY and Innovation tracks. Grant funds may be used to support a variety of activities and services that align with First Steps’ strategic priorities, such as evidence-based parenting programs, quality enhancement in early childhood care, health-related interventions, and support for vulnerable families. However, all proposed expenditures must fall within the allowable cost framework outlined in the FY27 Program Guidelines. Applicants are advised to ensure compliance with state procurement laws and to maintain appropriate documentation for all expenditures. Additionally, READY and Innovation applications must demonstrate strong alignment with quality improvement, cross-sector collaboration, or scalable practices. Only South Carolina First Steps Local Partnerships are eligible to apply for this opportunity. The application is not open to other nonprofits, individuals, or educational institutions not affiliated with the First Steps network. Each Local Partnership must submit a unified application that reflects their overall operational and strategic priorities for the funding period. Collaboration within communities is encouraged, but only the Local Partnership entity may serve as the applicant of record. The submission process requires all application files to be uploaded via a designated form. Applicants are instructed to carefully review the guidance provided in the FY27 Program Guidelines document, which outlines specific application components, including program design narratives, outcome projections, budget documentation, and assurance statements. A separate year-end reporting form is due in July for final documentation. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2026, by midnight. As of the analysis date, the opportunity is open and actively accepting applications. Year-end documents related to the funding period are due separately by July 15, 2026. While the program includes annual elements and is part of an ongoing funding cycle, the application itself is issued for a specific biennium, and future iterations will require new submissions. As such, the current round is not marked as recurring. The primary contact for the grant is not individually named, but applicants are directed to review the published guidelines and to use the contact information provided within the program materials if assistance is needed.