Playgroup Grant Program

The Playgroup Grant Program administered by First 5 Humboldt provides funding and support for local organizations to establish and operate Playgroups for families with children aged five and under across Humboldt County, California. This initiative aligns with First 5 Humboldt’s mission to enhance the lives of young children and their families by fostering relational health, resilience, and developmental readiness. Playgroups serve as vital community hubs where caregivers and children can participate in structured, interactive sessions that support family strengthening and developmental engagement. By prioritizing accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and geographical inclusivity, the program aims to address gaps in services, especially for isolated or underserved communities. Grant recipients are expected to provide safe physical spaces for weekly Playgroups, which must operate for at least 40 sessions throughout the fiscal year. Grantees act as employers for Playgroup Leaders and are required to comply with several operational standards, including health and safety protocols, mandated staff training, and participation in evaluations. Playgroup Leaders must complete background checks, CPR/First Aid certification, and mandated reporter training. They are also expected to engage families actively and maintain a supportive and inclusive atmosphere during sessions. First 5 Humboldt offers ongoing guidance and technical assistance throughout the grant period. The funding structure offers $7,000 per weekly Playgroup operating on a reimbursement basis. Grantees must submit quarterly invoices and are responsible for maintaining documentation such as insurance certificates, payroll records, and expense receipts. Additional requirements include data collection via family registration forms, sign-in sheets, family surveys, and detailed interim and end-of-year reports. Playgroups are also expected to maintain a minimum average attendance of five children. Failure to meet attendance benchmarks over time may jeopardize continued funding. The application package consists of a signed grant application form, a proposed budget using the provided template, and a completed W-9 form. Submissions must be sent via mail or email by February 28, 2026. Applications can be mailed to First 5 Humboldt at 325 2nd Street, Ste. 201, Eureka, CA 95501, or emailed to Dan Berman at [email protected]. Applicants may attend an optional virtual informational session scheduled for February 11, 2026. A review committee will evaluate applications based on key criteria including geographic distribution, cultural responsiveness, qualifications of Playgroup Leaders, organizational capacity, and track record of family support. Current and former grantees will also be assessed on prior performance, reporting compliance, and family feedback. Final award decisions will be made by the First 5 Humboldt Commission at a public meeting in April 2026. All applicants will be notified of their funding status by May 1, 2026. The grant period begins July 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2027. Funded Playgroups are expected to comply with community standards established by First 5 Humboldt, including health, safety, and inclusivity protocols. Attendance at biannual workshops and an initial orientation session is required for Playgroup Leaders. This grant opportunity offers a valuable chance for local organizations to strengthen early childhood support systems and expand equitable access to developmental resources throughout Humboldt County.