2024-2025 Education In-School Grant

The Blue Grass Community Foundation is offering its 2024 Early Childhood Education Literacy Grant, funded by the MacAdam Early Childhood and Literacy Fund. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to increase equitable access to quality pre-K education, early childhood care programs, and literacy programs for students in Central Kentucky. The foundation aims to narrow the achievement gap by supporting organizations and programs that serve low-income students, students of color, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with special needs. The grant targets charitable organizations serving Central Kentucky, specifically in Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott, and/or Woodford Counties. These organizations should be classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) designation, or be publicly supported organizations like school districts, municipalities, or government agencies. The focus is on early childhood teaching and learning, professional development for early childhood educators, parent engagement, and literacy-specific programs for learners of all ages, including adults. The foundation prioritizes proposals that address the needs of the wider community, especially from religiously affiliated organizations. They also require applicants to not have any overdue final reports for previous grants. The grant supports both project support and general operating support. Expected outcomes include increased equitable access to quality pre-K education, early childhood care programs, and literacy programs, ultimately narrowing the achievement gap. Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000, with the option of renewal for one additional year. The grant period is August 2024 – July 31, 2025.