The Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education, and Development was created by Mark and Jane Berkley to help children in Ottawa and Saline Counties better prepare for kindergarten. According to the Research and Policy Committee of the Committee for Economic Development, ensuring that all children start school ready to learn is crucial for their future success and the well-being of society. Children who begin school behind their peers often struggle to catch up, and those who enter kindergarten with limited word-reading skills are more likely to face later reading difficulties and require remedial education.
The Fund supports organizations or programs that address the care, education, development, health, safety, and human service needs of children ages 0-6 to better prepare them for kindergarten. Special consideration will be given to programs that work with children facing poverty or other significant barriers to learning.
Grants are available for projects based in Ottawa and Saline Counties, Kansas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. Other individuals or organizations may apply if they partner with a fiscal agent in one of the eligible categories. Applicants should verify if their project qualifies and inquire about additional reporting requirements if necessary. Grants are generally limited to projects within the geographic areas served by the community foundation.
For more information, visit GSCF.
