EQUIP (Early Education Quality Improvement Program)
Funding Amount
Not stated
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Center-based and home-based programs eligible
Other requirements
- Programs must be at STAR 2 level to apply
- Funding: Generously supported by the William Penn Foundation and Vanguard
- Contact: Alyssa Cruz, Program Manager | info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130
Overview
A no-cost initiative that partners with early childhood programs to build on their strengths, celebrate successes, and support quality growth. Walks alongside programs at STAR 2 as they prepare for STAR 3 or STAR 4 designation through the Keystone STARS quality rating system.
Geographic Scope: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Focus Areas:
- Cultivating inclusive environments
- Elevating educator and leader capacity
- Enhancing program quality
- Co-designing strategies for program thriving
Program Services:
- Strength-based coaching: For teachers and administrators that builds on existing practices
- Tailored professional learning: Shaped by each program's goals and needs
- Quality Improvement Funds: Help secure materials that enhance learning environments
- Observation opportunities: See best practices in action in high-quality classrooms
- On-site mentoring: With experienced educators and directors from STAR 3 and STAR 4 programs
- Professional Learning Communities: Collaborative spaces for educators and leaders to share knowledge, reflect on practice, and co-create sustainable approaches
Eligibility Requirements:
- Programs must be at STAR 2 level to apply
- Center-based and home-based programs eligible
Funding: Generously supported by the William Penn Foundation and Vanguard
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Verify program is at STAR 2 level
- Apply through First Up (application link available on website)
- Contact Alyssa Cruz for more information
Contact: Alyssa Cruz, Program Manager | info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130
What First up actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024 — the most recent filing with itemized grants
First up reported $58K in grants for 2025 as a total without an itemized list; the grant details below are from 2024, its most recent itemized filing.
- Grants in 2024
- 1
- Total given
- $6,000
- Median grant
- $6,000
- By dollars: Pennsylvania 100%. Top recipient cities: Philadelphia, PA.
Example grants
Hasan's Interactive Learning Center · Philadelphia, PA
Equip / pif
$6,000
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Education
- Child care
- Capacity building
Categories
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