Funding Opportunities

Community Engagement Sponsorship Program

First 5 Merced County supports activities throughout Merced County, and partners together with a diverse group of organizations, groups, businesses, and other entities to engage community members and begin discussions around the Bill of Rights and children’s needs, and connect families with needed services.

Funding up to $1,000 per event that serves children 0 to 5 can be awarded until allocated funds are exhausted. A letter of request must be submitted to First 5 Merced County in order to be considered for funding. Letters of Request must be received at least 21 days prior to the event. There is no deadline for applying, but  21 days of advanced notice is required.

View the Community Engagement Sponsorship RFA FY (PDF)

General Mini-Grants 

The First 5 Merced County General Mini-Grants Program will provide one-time funding for up to $10,000.00 for a new or expanded program that serves children 0 to 5 and their families. ALL Applications for the 2023/24 fiscal year are due by Friday, April 28, 2023, by 5:00 P.M. (No Exceptions)

View the General Mini-Grant Guidelines and RFA (PDF)

Innovation Grants 

The First 5 Merced County Innovation Grant is designed to solicit proposals for funding from qualified applicants for innovative projects that support and strengthen families, improve child health, and increase the availability and quality of early learning efforts that meet First 5 Merced County's standards and contribute to achieving intended outcomes.

Innovation grants are intended to fund activities that result in a long-term change to an organization's culture, professional norms, policies, procedures, or increase efficiencies that have an impact on children 0-5 and/or their families. First 5 Merced County expects to fund up to a maximum of $100,000 for the duration of any contract period. ALL Applications for the 2023/24 fiscal year are due by Friday, April 28, 2023, by 5:00 P.M. (No Exceptions)

View the Innovation Grant RFP (PDF)