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EQUIP (Early Education Quality Improvement Program)

First up

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Grants for EducationChild Care GrantsCapacity Building Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

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

EQUIP (Early Education Quality Improvement Program)

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

    Contact: Alyssa Cruz, Program Manager | info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Verify program is at STAR 2 level
    2. Apply through First Up (application link available on website)
    3. Contact Alyssa Cruz for more information

    Contact: Alyssa Cruz, Program Manager | info@firstup.org | 215-893-0130

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    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

    IRS Form 990, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationchild-carecapacity-building

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