Best Early Childhood Development Grants in California

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement

This funding strategy supports Family Resource Centers (FRCs) and other family engagement programs that build caregivers’ knowledge and skills about early childhood development and increase their involvement as their children’s “first teachers.” Programs support early learning through playgroups and parent/caregiver workshops, offer opportunities for engagement in their local community and neighborhood, and connect families to services that help them thrive. Programs supported by this strategy may be provided in the community, at home, or at existing FRCs. Services must be culturally specific and appropriate for the communities that are most in need of access to these types of parent/caregiver support services. Programs will serve communities in which young children are less likely to enroll in preschool or have disproportionately low kindergarten readiness scores. 

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

The Margaret Beelard Community Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities and government agencies operating in Vacaville and Solano County. The foundation is committed to advancing educational programs for children and alleviating poverty, with a special focus on cancer research. Applications must be submitted in print, as electronic submissions are not accepted. The board reviews applications quarterly and informs applicants of their decisions in writing.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Ford Family Foundation offers larger funding requests over $25,000 for projects aligned with their funding priorities, including family support, education, and community development. Their grants aim to strengthen family connections, enhance educational opportunities for rural children, and foster thriving communities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit rural residents in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation emphasizes community support and prohibits funding for discriminatory practices or debt retirement.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County provides Community Impact Grants to support programs aimed at improving the lives of children, youth, and underserved populations. With an average grant award of $25,000, these grants focus on early childhood education, academic support, and health services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in Monterey County. The foundation values innovative, collaborative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability.

The CFMC Small Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, supports emerging projects and small organizations focused on specific populations or areas. Applications are reviewed in three cycles each year: February, June, and October. This streamlined program aims to address critical community needs while fostering healthy, safe, and vibrant communities across Monterey County.

The Crail-Johnson Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged children and youth through education and community programs in Los Angeles. It supports initiatives addressing early childhood education, literacy, arts, STEM, and parent engagement. Grants are provided to public non-profits and community-based organizations aimed at systemic change, with a priority on programs that foster collaboration and empower families in underserved neighborhoods.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant supports organizations providing essential services to underserved youth in Los Angeles County. Established in 2001, it aims to empower children through educational enrichment, arts, and leadership programs. The fund emphasizes capacity building, allowing organizations to enhance their impact. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on direct services for marginalized communities. The grant excludes funding for individuals, political activities, and projects outside the specified geographic area.

The Southern California Grant Program, managed by the W. M. Keck Foundation, supports diverse projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as Arts, Health, and Education. It emphasizes initiatives aiding low-income families and special needs populations in Los Angeles County. Grants are awarded twice a year, focusing on innovative solutions with measurable impact. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong leadership and thorough planning, ensuring a significant long-term effect on the communities they serve.

The Child Care Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the quality of early child care and education in the community. It offers grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofit providers, focusing on workforce development, family engagement, and equitable access for children aged 0-5. With rising demand for quality child care exceeding supply, this initiative seeks to strengthen the sector and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing environments for their development.

The Bothin Foundation Grant supports nonprofits with capital investments in social services, youth development, arts, and environmental programs, focusing on those serving disadvantaged children, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities in specific California counties. Eligible projects include building renovations, equipment purchases, and vehicle requests, with a preference for immediate, impactful needs. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and have a direct service focus, ensuring community benefit and sustainability.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Legacy San Jose Alviso Youth Foundation Grant is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth in Alviso through financial support for essential programs. This includes education, social services, and recreational activities for those aged 18 and younger. The foundation aims to empower local nonprofit organizations by providing grants that foster growth and development, ensuring equal access to opportunities regardless of background. With a focus on community enrichment, it plays a vital role in uplifting youth in the area.

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Bay Area children and youth by funding organizations that provide quality early childhood education for ages 0 to 5. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership and community engagement, supporting programs that incorporate a whole-child approach, engage parents, and promote teacher development. Grants are available for organizations serving low-income households in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on sustainable, impactful initiatives.

The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood provides grants to support innovative projects aimed at improving the welfare of young children in the U.S. The foundation focuses on early childhood welfare, education, and parenting education, promoting safe environments and effective teaching methods. Grants are awarded to projects with significant potential impact on children's lives, emphasizing national application and interest. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status, while ineligibility includes funding for foreign programs and capital equipment.

The Ford Family Foundation offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. These grants, which can reach up to $5,000, support activities such as staff training, strategic planning, and consulting services. By enhancing internal capabilities, the foundation seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofits and agencies that focus on family, education, and community development, ultimately benefiting children and their families.

The Child Well-Being Grant Program, established by the Doris Duke Foundation, focuses on promoting the healthy development of children and preventing abuse. With a commitment to addressing systemic inequities, the program supports initiatives that strengthen social service systems and foster partnerships to enhance access to services. It prioritizes funding for projects that encourage community-based interventions and the development of future leaders dedicated to improving child welfare, ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive in safe and supportive environments.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

The Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation Grants prioritize funding for effective nonprofit organizations that support children in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The foundation favors programs that benefit children during their formative years, as well as those aiding transition-age foster youth. It focuses on innovative, smaller charities that might struggle with traditional funding sources, while excluding capital campaigns and national charities. Grant requests are accepted throughout the year, with specific deadlines for quarterly distributions.

The Buck Family Fund, part of the Marin Community Foundation, supports community-led initiatives for marginalized residents in Marin County. Funding is available for nonprofits and organizations that align with the fund's goals, focusing on housing, resilience, and community empowerment. The fund addresses critical issues like affordable housing shortages and the impacts of climate change while fostering local nonprofit efforts that uplift and transform the community. Grants are intended for both local and external organizations providing high-quality services.