Family Support for Early Learning and Development Program Grant
Family Support for Early Learning and Development Program Grant supports families through evidence-based services that equip parents and caregivers to strengthen child development and school readiness.
This grant was recently updated
The funding opportunity is now closed; it previously stated it was open with a Letter of Intent deadline of October 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT.
Funder: Rapides Foundation
Due Dates: December 11, 2026 (LOI decisions) | January 18, 2027, 4 p.m. CT (Invited full proposals) | March 1, 2027 (Award notification; RFP lists March 5, 2027) | April 1, 2027 (Grant start)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 annually for 1–3 years; maximum $300,000 total
Summary: Supports evidence-based family services that equip parents and caregivers to strengthen early childhood development and school readiness.
Key Information: This funds family-support services, not research; full proposals are by invitation only.
Description
The Rapides Foundation’s School Readiness Initiative supports coordinated, evidence-based family services for expecting families and families with children from birth through age three. The program extends the Foundation’s early childhood work beyond childcare centers and Pre-K classrooms into communities and family homes, particularly reaching families not connected to early childhood programs. Its goal is to equip parents and caregivers with knowledge, skills, resources, and connections that strengthen children’s development and readiness for school.
Projects must address at least two focus areas: parenting and responsive interactions, healthy childhood development, family resource navigation, family goal setting and economic stability, or maternal mental health education and referrals. The program emphasizes ongoing engagement rather than one-time events, with meaningful connections that help families learn, practice, and make progress.
