Children's Opportunity Alliance Community Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Montgomery County, Maryland

Focus Areas: Early care and education, systems work, equity, innovation

Program Overview

Competitive grantmaking program to support organizations furthering the Alliance's mission to better serve children and families in Montgomery County through early care and education work and systems change.

FY 2023-24 Cycle Results

First funding cycle awarded grants totaling $105,000 to four organizations:

Action in Montgomery (AIM) - $40,000

• Organizing teams of BIPOC parents to address structural barriers related to access to early childhood education

CentroNía - $15,000

• Preparing and delivering video trainings for Montgomery County educators on high-quality early instruction and care responsive to culturally and linguistically diverse children, including those with learning and developmental delays

Montgomery County Food Council (MCFC) - $10,000

• Supporting young children and families experiencing food insecurity by increasing SNAP program awareness and participation. Goal: complete SNAP applications for 300 children ages 0-15

Montgomery Housing Partnership, Inc. (MHP) - $40,000

• Supporting the Play and Learn program providing kindergarten readiness opportunities for low-income children and English Language Learners

First Cycle Details (2023-24)

• Applications Received: 19
• Total Requests: $736,504
• Awards Made: $105,000 to 4 organizations
• Review Committee: 7 members representing parents, early childhood providers, funders, and Alliance Board members and staff
• Selection Criteria: Equity, innovation, diversity of portfolio, filling gaps not addressed through other funding sources

Eligibility

• Organizations supporting early care and education in Montgomery County
• Alignment with Alliance mission and values of equity and innovation
• Organizations addressing gaps in services or systems work not currently funded

Application Process

For FY 2023-24 Cycle:

1. Complete grant application (format not specified in available materials)
2. Application reviewed by committee of 7 members
3. Committee evaluates based on:
   • Alignment with equity values
   • Innovation in approach
   • Diversity of portfolio impact
   • Addressing unfilled gaps in community

Application Details

Specific application form, narrative questions, and submission procedures not detailed in available materials. Contact the organization directly for current cycle application details.