Early Childhood Grant

The Early Childhood Grant aims to enhance educational, health, and social support for children aged 0-8 in Cambria and Somerset counties. Applications are encouraged for projects that improve resources for quality childcare, incentivize professional development for staff, and assist families facing enrollment barriers. Submissions are accepted from April 15 to May 15, 2025, to foster optimal growth and learning for young children, ensuring they reach their full potential.

The primary goal of this initiative is to support each and every child (ages 0-8) in Cambria and Somerset counties.
This grant opportunity provides direct support to programs and projects that improve young children's educational, health, and social needs so they are able to thrive, learn, and reach their full potential.
Specifically, we invite applications targeted in any of these three key areas:
projects that will improve facilities, equipment, and any other resources (i.e., shared services, facility needs, curriculum, technology, planning/needs assessments, or matching grants toward Keystone Stars certification) necessary in order to expand a program from a low-quality program to a high-quality program projects that will incentivize Early Childhood Care and Education staff and support their professional development needs (including required continuing education credits, assistance toward paying for credits needed for certification, associate's degrees, and/or bachelor's degrees, etc.)projects that will provide assistance (tuition scholarships, transportation, support services, accessibility, etc.) for families who are experiencing barriers that prevent enrollment in a program

Eligibility

Applicants must comply with all six of the following eligibility requirements:be a tax-exempt organization with 501(c)(3) status, a governmental entity, or a church.If an applicant does not have the IRS status indicated, they need to work with an organization that does. This is called a "fiscal sponsor."operate as a state-licensed early childcare provider or provide childcare and parental engagement programs. serve residents of Cambria and/or Somerset County.serve children between the ages of 0-8.not apply for debt financing or for projects that have already taken place. explain how this project will help the organization become or maintain status as a high-quality early learning/care provider.