The Best Starts for Kids Workforce Development Mini Grants is a funding opportunity designed to support small organizations in King County that work with the prenatal to age five population. This grant initiative, part of King County's broader Best Starts for Kids strategy, focuses on strengthening this essential workforce by funding professional development and capacity-building opportunities. The goal is to help organizations that support early childhood development, mental health, and racial equity. Up to $150,000 is available through this RFA, and applicants can request up to $9,999 for eligible activities that enhance workforce knowledge and skills. Funded activities can include prenatal to five-focused trainings, conferences, professional development fees, community-building events, and workshops addressing culturally responsive care.
This grant is specifically targeted toward small organizations with 15 or fewer employees, including private agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, early childhood development centers, and licensed childcare centers/programs that primarily serve King County residents. To qualify, applicants must be based in King County and serve young children and their families, focusing on professional development in the areas of early childhood development, infant and early childhood mental health, and racial equity.
Applicants are required to submit their applications through Microsoft Forms by November 18, 2024, at 4:00 PM Pacific Time. The application must clearly describe how the funds will be used to meet the stated objectives and include a detailed budget that aligns with the proposed activities. The grant will not cover operational costs like payroll or rent, and all awarded funds must be used within six months of the agreement. King County will also require recipients to submit receipts and reports on how the funds were used.
An information session was held on October 16, 2024, to help applicants understand the RFA requirements and the application process. Technical assistance is also available for applicants who need help preparing their submissions, with a final day to request such assistance being November 4, 2024.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel, and selection will be based on the clarity of the proposal, alignment with workforce development goals, and adherence to equity and racial justice principles. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in December 2024, with agreements expected to start by mid-December.
The period of performance for awarded projects is from approximately December 15, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
