The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for Early Care Spaces program.
Donor Name: Kenneth Rainin Foundation
State: California
City: Oakland
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/25/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Early Care Spaces supports organizations that promote language and literacy development for children from birth to five years old. This grantmaking program funds community-driven solutions and local initiatives that intentionally integrate these skills into early childhood programming, creating stronger, more developmentally enriching opportunities for the youngest learners.
Early Care Spaces aims to advance work that focuses on:
- Supporting children in expanding their literacy and language skills.
- Creating opportunities that increase parents’ and caregivers’ capacity to support early literacy.
- Upskilling and career advancement for early care providers to lead language-rich, developmentally appropriate and culturally connected care.
This grant program prioritizes:
- Early care opportunities outside of traditional education systems or center-based care, such as in family resource centers, libraries, community spaces or other community-based organizations.
- Programs that want to build or have deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care. This could include targeting these caregivers in program outreach and delivery or providing professional development opportunities for them.
- Organizations that are deeply rooted in and of the community they intend to serve. If not, there is a plan to authentically engage with and serve that community.
- Work happening in the Oakland flatlands, especially neighborhoods experiencing disinvestment and displacement of low-income children and families.
Funding Information
Organizations can apply for one-year grants of up to $75,000 or two-year grants of up to $100,000.
Grant Period
- January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026, for grantees who choose a 12-month grant period.
- January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027, for grantees who choose a 24-month grant period.
For more information, visit Kenneth Rainin Foundation.
