Early Learner Community Toolkit Grant

ABOUT THE GRANT

 

What is the Early Learner Community Toolkit grant?

 
Black Hills Reads, an initiative of United Way of the Black Hills, believes that all communities should have the opportunity to make Early Learning a priority. This toolkit and process was guided by the National League of Cities Community action guide and simplified to get a community started. This toolkit helps communities create early learning stakeholder groups, saturate the community with early learning messaging and provides funding and organizational support to allow follow through in all areas laid out below.
 

Who Can Apply for this Grant?

Any Black Hills Community looking to make early learning a priority.
 

What is the deadline for the Early Learner Toolkit grant?

 
This is a rolling grant, a community can choose to apply at any time.
 

Where can I learn more about the Early Learning Toolkit?

 
 
 

EARLY LEARNER COMMUNITY GRANT GUIDELINES

 

Planning Grant (may reference Phase 1&2 in Early Learning Toolkit)

$500-$1,000 in grant funds

1. 6-month planning period 

2. Need to follow structure of Early Learning Toolkit for guidance of process or the National League of Cities Guide

3. Provide a projected budget of how funds will be spent (marketing materials, materials for programs to increase quality care, etc)

4. Items included outside of grant funds:

  • 10 hours of Technical Assistance (value of $350)

  • Initial meeting facilitation by Black Hills Reads

  • 2 showings of No Small Matter or Starting at Zero (value of $350)

  • Advocacy Toolkit 

 

Implementation Grant  (may reference Phase 3&4 in Early Learning Toolkit)

Round 1:

Amount: Up to $5,000

 

1. Access to marketing materials on Early Learner website 

2. 6-month check in

3. Need to have a community lead(s) in place before moving into Implementation

4. Need to follow structure of Early Learning Toolkit for guidance of process or the National League of Cities Guide

5. Consider use of Advocacy Toolkit with further implementation 

6. Provide a projected budget of how funds will be spent

7. Items included outside of grant funds

  • 10 hours of mentorship with Black Hills Reads Director with community lead 

8. Need to show progress of stakeholder buy-in and initial planning to qualify for this grant

 

Round 2: Implementation Large scale roll out

Up to an additional $10,000

1. 6-9 months after first phase of roll-out is complete (we understand this may vary from one community to the next)

2. We would like to see communities making movement towards NLC work

3. Mentorship with Black Hills Reads Director as needed after full implementation 

4. Plan for sustainability during this grant period

5. Need to show progress of implementation to qualify for this grant

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR GRANT