Watch the information session from October 15th

Vermont Early Childhood Fund 2021 – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 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 and a work plan by December 6 2021.
• BBF staff are able to provide guidance for both the initial and full applications.

 

What is the 2021 timeline? 

• Friday, October 1 – Initial applications open 
• October 15 – Q&A virtual meeting
• Monday, November 1 – Initial applications due 
• Monday, November 8 – Invitation for full application (budget and evaluation plan) 
• Monday, December 6 – Full application due
• Monday, December 13 – Final decisions 
• January 1, 2022 Grant start date, first payment with 50% of funds 
• May 30, 2022, First report due, second payment with 50% of funds
• December 31, 2022 – End of grant period
• January 31, 2023, Final report due

 

What do I need to do after I am funded? 

• You will need to send in two reports (one in May 2022, and one in January 2023) with: 
  • Any information promised in the grant plan, 
  • A paragraph about how the grant is going
  • Two sentences and a picture that highlight your work (for publicity)
  • How the money is being spent. 
• You will need to go to the regional council meeting in your area or work together with the regional council if going to meetings is not possible
• You will need to meet monthly with your staff member at BBF to check in on your project and spending

 

How will decisions be made about what projects are selected? 

• The review committee will be scoring each application without knowing which organization is applying (blind scoring). The scoring criteria are below (total of 100 points)

 

What kind of projects should apply? 

• This grant is open to all sorts of projects and activities as long as it is helping kids and families. Local groups (Regional Councils) decided on two priorities they want to focus on. Your project should fit into one of these regional priorities. See the map of priorities by region here.
  • Access to basic needs
  • Supporting an integrated system of care
  • Building resilience in children, families and communities
  • Early childhood workforce development
  • Equitable access to services
  • Family engagement and support
  • Family safety and mental health

 

What can the grant money be used for? 

• The money can be used for the following (Not a complete list)
  • Pay people (salaries)
  • Buy materials
  • To get the word out (Publicity)
  • Pay for food

 

What can the grant money NOT be used for? (Not a complete list)

• The money cannot be used to
  • Pay off debt or for things that have already been purchased
  • Cover things like rent, utilities, equipment maintenance etc. (Also referred to as overhead, indirect expenses, or operating expenses) This can be addressed on a case by case basis
  • Buy alcohol
  • Go to just one person (without fiscal sponsorship)
  • Be contributed to fundraisers (capital campaigns)
  • Pay for anything that happens before January 1, 2022, or after December 31, 2022

 

How much funding is available? 

• A total of $100,000 will be distributed to up to 7 grantees

 

Is this grant available for organizations who are not focused on child care? 

• Yes

 

Do I need to have experience with grants to apply? 

• No

 

Who should I contact if I have another question? 

• Beth Truzansky – btruzansky@buildingbrightfutures.org 
• BBF will host a virtual information session on October 15 at 12:00 to answer specific questions. (Register here.)