Investing Early Together in Washington

Best Starts for Kids, a voter-approved initiative in King County, Washington, supports children and families from prenatal stages through young adulthood. The initiative emphasizes community-based, culturally responsive, and science-informed programming. Building upon extensive community engagement and input, Best Starts is releasing a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) titled “Investing Early Together: Community-Based Parenting Supports, Home-Based Services, and Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion.” This integrated approach aims to reduce administrative burden for applicants, promote sustainable funding, and holistically support children and families through three interconnected early childhood strategies. The funding opportunity supports three key strategies: Community-Based Parenting Supports (CBPS), Home-Based Services (HBS), and Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion (UDSP). CBPS programs include community-embedded services like Kaleidoscope Play and Learn, parent-caregiver support groups, and lactation/perinatal services. HBS provides voluntary, relationship-based family support in home settings through both nationally and locally designed models. UDSP delivers culturally relevant resources, training, and referrals that empower families to monitor and understand their children's developmental progress. Eligibility is open to a wide range of organizations including nonprofits, community-based entities, tribes and tribal organizations, schools, school districts, and public/governmental agencies, all of which must serve families within King County. Programs must focus on expecting families or those with children up to age five. Collaborations are encouraged, provided one organization acts as the lead and contract administrator. Special encouragement is given to small and community-rooted organizations to apply. The total funding available is approximately $15.8 million. For CBPS, funding spans two years (2026–2027) and includes various programs with estimated awards ranging from $50,000 to $800,000. HBS funding, totaling $6.86 million over 18 months, is expected to be distributed in awards between $300,000 and $430,000. UDSP’s 18-month funding totals $3.88 million with awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Matching funds are not required. Applications are due by Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Prior to submission, applicants can attend optional information sessions on May 19 and June 4, 2025, and may submit questions until June 13 at 2:00 p.m. Technical assistance is available to help applicants evaluate their fit, refine application materials, and improve clarity. Application reviews will occur in July, followed by potential interviews from July 21–25. Notifications will be sent out in September, and contracts will start in January or July 2026, depending on the strategy. Questions can be directed to Phillip Thompson, RFP Lead, at CPRES-BSK@kingcounty.gov. Applicants are encouraged to log into the ZoomGrants system to access the full RFP details and apply for this opportunity.