Building Bright Futures is pleased to announce the creation of the Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF) providing grants of $10,000-$20,000 for up to 7 grantees to support creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children (prenatal-age 8), families, as well as the Vermont communities in which they live.
Each year BBF Regional Councils, the early childhood experts within communities, identify two key issues impacting children and families in each of Vermont’s 12 regions. Recognizing the expertise of Regional Councils and in order to use the funds most effectively, the Vermont Early Childhood Fund uses these regional priorities to guide the investment of $100,000 to fund regional creative solutions.
In 2022, VECF will provide grants of $10,000-$20,000 for up to 7 grantees with support from a generous private donor.
About the grants:
The Vermont Early Childhood Fund will support up to seven regional projects with a total of $100,000 for the duration of 2022. Eligible projects should address at least one of the priorities identified by the BBF Regional Early Childhood Council and support the vision stated in Vermont’s Early Childhood Action Plan (VECAP). Preference will be given to projects that promote fairness and equity by incorporating anti-racism and social justice practices into their work. The Early Childhood Fund seeks to fund projects otherwise not eligible for other funding opportunities.
Application Process:
- The initial application is due November 1st, 2021. The review committee will be scoring each application without knowing which organization is applying (blind scoring).
- Projects selected for a full application will need to submit a budget, a work plan, and 2 letters of commitment from partners by December 6, 2021.
- BBF staff are able to provide guidance for both the initial and full applications. BBF will hold a virtual information session on October 15 at 12:00 to answer specific questions. (Register here.)
More information can be found at buildingbrightfutures.org/vecf/ or by contacting Dora Levinson at dlevinson@buildingbrightfutures.org or 802-365-1716.
