First Years First Early Childhood Grants

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
The Foundation has been at the forefront of positive community change and charitable impact since The Stanley Works and New Britain Machine pooled $30,000 in gifts before World War II to begin what was then called the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. Primarily a grant maker for many years, providing funding to support New Britain non-profits and their programs, our Foundation today is leading and collaborating to shape the Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington of tomorrow.
The goal of the Initiative is to support optimal learning and development of children, birth through preschool so children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
First Years First Strategies
Increase Social Emotional Learning (SEL) among young children to support school readiness, success and outcomes. Support SEL training for parents/caregivers, teachers and other adults that work with young children.
Strengthen Parent/Caregiver Education by building skills, knowledge and relationships in one or more of the following ways: 1) increase knowledge of child development, early brain development and the lasting impact of high quality early childhood education, 2) support deepening relationships among caregivers, educators and young children that increase and incorporate Social Emotional Learning, 3) strengthen parenting and caregiver skills so that children are supported and ready to learn and succeed in school.
Support Foundational Skill Development that is age appropriate in math, pre-writing, and pre-literacy among young children and families.
Support teacher training that increases skill, knowledge and expertise and teachers’ ability to support the optimal learning and development of children birth through preschool.