Family Support for Early Learning and Development Program Grant
Family Support for Early Learning and Development Program Grant supports parents and caregivers through evidence-based family services that strengthen early childhood development and school readiness.
This grant was recently updated
Plan for selection notification on March 1, 2027, and a project start no earlier than April 1; the October 8 webinar is no longer listed. If you want an optional consultation, schedule it at least two weeks before you submit, and use the newly linked budget worksheet and narrative template. Several eligibility exclusions have been removed from the page, so confirm eligibility with Foundation staff if any previously applied to your organization or project.
Funder: Rapides Foundation
Due Dates: October 30, 2026, 4 p.m. CT (LOI) | December 11, 2026 (LOI notification) | January 18, 2027, 4 p.m. CT (Invited full proposal) | March 1, 2027 (Selection notification) | April 1, 2027 (Grant start)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 annually for 1–3 years; maximum request of $300,000
Summary: Supports coordinated, evidence-based family services that equip parents and caregivers to strengthen early childhood development and school readiness.
Key Information: Projects must provide at least three family connections annually; one-time events are not eligible.
Description
The Rapides Foundation’s School Readiness Initiative supports coordinated, evidence-based services for expecting families and families with children from birth through age three. The program equips parents and caregivers with knowledge, skills, resources, and connections that strengthen children’s development and learning. It extends the Foundation’s early childhood work beyond childcare centers and Pre-K classrooms into communities and family homes.
Projects must address at least two priorities: parenting and responsive interactions that support learning; awareness of healthy childhood development practices; family resource navigation; family goal setting and planning for economic stability; and maternal mental health education and referrals. The program emphasizes sustained family engagement within the Foundation’s nine-parish service area, recognizing parents and caregivers as children’s first teachers.
