Early Literacy Grant Program
The Early Literacy Grant Program from the Colorado Department of Education funds evidence-based professional development to advance K-3 reading instruction and improve early literacy outcomes statewide.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027: Application window opens in GAINS (projected) | February 2027: Intent to Apply deadline (projected) | February 2027: Full application submission deadline in GAINS by 4:00 PM (projected)
Funding Amounts: Approx. $1.1 million available for 2027–2028; typical awards are for a one-year term; no guarantee of renewal.
Summary: Supports Colorado K-3 educators and schools in implementing evidence-based early literacy professional development to improve reading outcomes.
Key Information: Only LEPs already implementing evidence-based universal instruction and showing student growth are eligible; funds supplement, not supplant, existing PD budgets.
Description
The Early Literacy Grant Program (Professional Development) is an annual, competitive opportunity from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) designed to advance early literacy in K-3 classrooms statewide. The program funds high-quality professional development for educators, with the goal of increasing reading competency, reducing the percentage of students with significant reading deficiencies, and sustaining student achievement gains over time. Funds are intended for professional development only and must support the implementation of scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the Colorado READ Act.
