Bright & Early DuPage

Initiative launched in 2013 that builds sustainable, coordinated, local early childhood collaborations to increase access to quality early childhood education throughout DuPage County.

Geographic Scope: DuPage County, Illinois

Focus Areas:

• Early childhood education and care
• Support for children birth to age five
• Access to quality early childhood education
• Support services for families, particularly those with limited resources

Target Population:

• Children from birth to age five in DuPage County
• Families with limited resources
• Early childhood collaboratives and local partners

Key Information:

• Supports thousands of children and families
• Works to ensure every child in DuPage is ready to start kindergarten ready to learn and thrive
• Brings together local partners, builds awareness, and advocates for early learning
• Strengthens communities and helps families access vital early childhood education and support services

Recent Awards (2025 cycle):

• Total awarded: $345,500 to eight collaboratives
• Individual grants ranged from $30,000 - $50,000
• Recipients included: Addison Partners for Play, Learning & Education (APPLE), Bensenville Early Learners Supporters (BELS), Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative (GECC), Supporting Early Education in DuPage South (SEEDS), Villa Park Area Early Childhood Collaborative, Willowbrook Community Early Childhood Collaborative, WeGo Together for Kids, Wheaton Warrenville Early Childhood Collective

Funding Sources:

• Bright & Early DuPage Endowment Fund
• Snodgrass Family Fund
• Paula K. Partipilo Fund

Newly formed or established early childhood collaborations serving DuPage County, IL. The lead director/coordinator must represent a school district or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving young children and families. New collaborations must contact the foundation before applying. Annual cycle (2026 applications were due June 5).