Last year, when we launched our inaugural competitive ECE grants process, we attracted 25 applicants, and we awarded grants to almost two-thirds (16, or 64%). We hope to do even better this year with a funding pool that will grow by $200,000.
As was the case last year, eligibility is limited to nonprofit providers who serve pre-K5 children in the city of Milwaukee (or who live in the city). Also, we will again be particularly receptive to applicants who seek to use our grant funds to improve the quality of their educational services, expand their reach, address workforce challenges, or enhance their financial stability.
We are also interested in proposals that involve collaboration between two or more ECE providers or between ECE providers and other nonprofits that serve young children. Proposals that allow ECE providers to implement or scale up new educational initiatives or business-related strategies also will be sure to pique our interest.
A new twist this year is the broadening of our eligibility criteria to go beyond just licensed ECE providers. We’re also encouraging proposals from nonprofit organizations that emphasize early learning for pre-K5 children in other ways, such as by promoting early literacy, serving special populations, or providing specialized forms of early education involving art, music, or nature. We also welcome applications from nonprofits working to address systemic ECE challenges in Milwaukee through research, advocacy, or other means.
