Early Care and Education Grant Program in Colorado

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering the Early Care and Education Grant Program, aimed at improving access to quality child care and education for children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, Colorado. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the thriving of Jefferson County residents by investing in early childhood development, which is a critical foundation for lifelong success and community well-being. The program's focus on quality child care and education underscores the foundation's strategic priority of fostering a supportive environment for children and families within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community partners, specifically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations, who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents. The ultimate beneficiaries are children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, who will gain improved access to quality early care and education. The impact goals are centered around increasing the availability and affordability of quality programs, supporting age-appropriate social-emotional development, and coordinating systems that provide support to children and families in the region. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting organizations that are implementing the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, convening partners and stakeholders to advance policies aligned with strategic frameworks, and supporting evidence-based pilot programs to increase child care options. Another focus is to bring together stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Policy Blueprint aligned with the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, aiming to improve access to quality early care and education programs, enhance social-emotional development, and coordinate supportive systems for children and families. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increased number of Jeffco residents served by quality early care and education programs, demonstrated impact within the county through budget application percentages, and concrete program successes specific to Jeffco populations. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration, with funding information of $5,000-$25,000 per year for a project period from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, reflects the foundation's theory of change: that by investing in and supporting community partners, particularly those focused on strategic initiatives like the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, they can foster a stronger, more equitable environment for early childhood development and ultimately contribute to the long-term prosperity of Jefferson County.