The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation provides resources and technical assistance for local initiatives to continue working towards school readiness in their region. VECF awards the following types of grants:
I. Planning Grants:
In this initial funding cycle, Smart Beginnings coalitions are established. Leadership councils are formed, staff is hired and community needs assessments are conducted.
(Current Planning Grants)
II. Getting Ready Grants:
An additional two years of support is awarded for program implementation, community engagement and strengthening infrastructure.
(Current Getting Ready Grants)
III. Partnership Grants:
Further funding is awarded to coalitions that have successfully built an infrastructure of comprehensive systems and are equipped to lead a region’s early childhood development efforts.
(Current Partnership Grants)
IV. Sustaining Grants:
Initiatives are then provided two years of support to maintain their school readiness efforts while building local resources for long term sustainability.
(Current Sustaining Grants)
V. Sustaining Partners:
After completing all phases of the grant cycle, these coalitions are leading partners of early childhood development within their respective communities.
(Current Sustaining Partners)
Smart Beginnings Communities:
These initiatives are working to advance school readiness efforts in their regions, but are not currently operating with VECF funding.
(Smart Beginnings Communities)