ECLC Communications Mini Grant Application

ECLC Communications Mini Grant Overview

The Early Childhood Leadership Commission (ECLC), in collaboration with members of the ECLC Communications Subcommittee, developed Communications Guidelines for Engaging Parents & Caregivers to support early childhood professionals in creating communications to engage parents and caregivers. To support local efforts using these guidelines the ECLC and Illuminate Colorado (Illuminate) are excited to offer a unique mini grant opportunity up to $1,500 to improve local engagement efforts.

Grantees will also have access to optional pro bono strategic communications support from Illuminate &/or a mentor through the Strengthening Communication Network (SCN). The SCN is a volunteer-led network of mentors with expertise in public relations and communications specific to the issues faced by organizations working to ensure that all children and families in Colorado are valued, healthy and thriving. Illuminate and other mentors within the Strengthening Communications Network will help you tackle challenges on a variety of topics including framing messaging, developing a communications plan, planning and sharing content, social media, email marketing, media coverage, and other communications needs.

Grant Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 17, 2021.

All work outlined in the mini grant application must be completed before December 31, 2021.

A grant report must be submitted by January 7, 2022.

Examples of organizations considered for funding:

Community-based nonprofits
Community-based coalitions
Early childhood councils
Family resource centers
Local institutions who are viewed by community as trusted partners
Public libraries
Family, friend and neighbor (FFN) care providers
Licensed Child Care Providers

Examples of activities considered for funding:

Critically review organization existing communication efforts to reframe messaging based on shared
Design new organizational brochure or flyer series
Subscribe to paid Mailchimp services
Translate &/or trans-creation materials in support of language justice
Set up pro Canva account

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR MINI GRANT RECIPIENTS?

Please fill out the application and share your top one or two communications goals and challenges. If you are chosen, we will share this information with our volunteers and align your organization with a communications mentor that will set you up for future success.

Next, Grant recipients will be notified on October 1, 2021. Illuminate and/or a SCN mentor will reach out to you to plan a virtual meeting that will take place before October 31, 2021 at a mutually agreed upon date and time if pro bono strategic communications support is requested.

After the work is complete, a grant report including examples of your work and final budget will be required. Grantees will be asked to complete an interview with Illuminate no later than January 2022. Your work will be featured in a 2022 Our Voice Newsletter article to inspire others to implement the Communications Guidelines for Engaging Parents & Caregivers.
Finally, after your final grant report has been received and you’ve completed your interview, you will receive mini grant funding directly from the ECLC.

Please fill out this electronic application no later than September 17, 2021 in order to be considered for this round of funding.

Click HERE to review and download application questions to prepare your submission.

Thanks for your interest in this mini grant opportunity. Please fill out the form as completely as possible. The ECLC mini grant fund dedicated to implementing requests through this application is limited to $6,000 in 2021 (4 grantees at $1,500 maximum). Therefore, a small group of the ECLC Communications Subcommittee members have volunteered to review and score the applications submitted by the grant deadline based on the criteria below to select award recipients of this limited amount of funding.

100 Pts
25 pt - Clearly Demonstrates a connection to the implementation of one or more of the Communications Guidelines for Engaging Parents & Caregivers

25 pt - Clearly Demonstrates intentionality in supporting equity, diversity and inclusion of families who must overcome structural and institutionalized challenges or barriers for their children to thrive.

25 pt - Clearly describes impact the mini grant will have on the grantee’s ability to engage parents and caregivers and intentionality in improved engagement with parents and caregivers

15 pt - Anticipated examples of work as described in the application will inspire others to implement the Communications Guidelines for Engaging Parents & Caregivers.

10 pt - Detailed and accurate budget reflecting how the funds will be used

Contact Information

First Name *This question is required.

Last Name *This question is required.

Organization Name (If applicable)

Street Address *This question is required.

City *This question is required.

State *This question is required.

Postal Code *This question is required.

Email Address *This question is required.

Mobile Phone

Provide an overview of your responsibility related to communications or public relations for the organization (% of your time, how long have you been there, what else are you responsible for?).

*This question is required.