[DuPage Foundation](https://dupagefoundation.org)

June 6, 2025 | June 5, 2026

Up to $50,000 per collaboration per year; typical awards are for one grant year (August–June).

Supports new or existing early childhood collaborations in DuPage County to expand access to quality early childhood education and family support for children birth to age five.

Lead applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or school district serving DuPage County.

--- ## Description The Bright & Early DuPage Grant Program, administered by the DuPage Foundation, funds the creation and growth of early childhood collaborations within DuPage County, Illinois. The initiative is designed to ensure that every child from birth to age five is ready to learn and thrive in kindergarten by bringing together local partners—including schools, healthcare providers, early childhood agencies, and families—to build community capacity, expand access to high-quality early education, and connect families (especially those with limited resources) to essential support services. Grants support both the establishment of new collaborations and the ongoing work of existing ones. Funded activities often include community engagement, parent education, developmental screenings, and efforts to increase enrollment in publicly funded early childhood programs. Emphasis is placed on sustainable, family-centered, and community-tailored solutions. --- ## Due Dates - June 6, 2025: Full application submission deadline (by 5:00 p.m.) - June 5, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 5:00 p.m.) Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the due date. Late submissions are not accepted. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: $50,000 per collaboration per year - Grants are typically awarded for a one-year period (August–June) - Both new and established collaborations may apply; funding is available for seed development or ongoing activities --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be newly formed or established early childhood collaborations located in DuPage County, Illinois. - The lead organization must be a school district or a nonprofit organization serving young children and families, classified as a public charity exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. - Collaborations should involve partnerships with local school districts, multiple community organizations, childcare providers, and families. - Ineligible entities include: - Organizations outside DuPage County - Individuals - Private foundations, hospitals, or disease-specific organizations - Religious activities (secular programs by religious organizations may be eligible) --- ## Application Process - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/bright-early-dupage/#Guidelines) and [application preview](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Bright-Early-DuPage-Application-Preview.pdf). - Applications must be submitted via the [DuPage Foundation's grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dcfdn). - New applicants for collaboration development are encouraged to contact Barb Szczepaniak, Vice President for Programs, before applying for consultative support. - Required materials include a completed application form, a collaborative budget, and (for existing collaborations) meeting agendas. - Finalists are reviewed by a committee and recommended to the Foundation's Board of Trustees. - Award notifications are sent in August, with funds distributed in early August. --- ## Additional Information - Funded collaborations are expected to: - Engage regularly with community partners (minimum four meetings/year) - Provide educational programs and family support events - Increase developmental screenings and track referrals for early intervention - Promote and track enrollment in publicly funded early childhood programs - Grantees must report on specific [impact metrics and work plan activities](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Final-Work-Plan-and-Impact-Metrics-2026-27.pdf). - Consultative support is available for new collaborations. --- ## External Links - [Bright & Early DuPage Grant Program Overview](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/bright-early-dupage) - [2026 Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Bright-Early-DuPage-Application-Preview.pdf) - [Work Plan & Impact Metrics (PDF)](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Final-Work-Plan-and-Impact-Metrics-2026-27.pdf) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dcfdn) - [Nonprofit Resources](https://www.dupagefoundation.org/nonprofit-resources/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------| | Barb Szczepaniak | Vice President for Programs | [barb@dupagefoundation.org](mailto:barb@dupagefoundation.org) | 630.598.5280 | | General Inquiries | | [Contact Form](https://dupagefoundation.org/who-we-are/contact.html) | 630.665.5556 |

Bright & Early DuPage Grant Program

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