The Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce in Colorado Initiative (the Initiative) is pleased to announce the Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2020 funding to support partnerships interested in advancing the early childhood workforce. In 2020, we seek to not only support new innovation, but also to scale promising innovations and sustain effective innovations that have the potential for greater statewide impact. The 2020 RFP includes three application categories: innovating, scaling, and sustaining.
Funding Opportunity: 2020 Early Childhood Workforce Innovation Grants
Those with innovative ideas for systemic change in workforce recruitment, retention and compensation are invited to apply. We are looking for committed partners interested in supporting and expanding an effective, qualified early childhood workforce. The emphasis is on data-informed, sustainable, systems-building efforts that address workforce challenges and inform broader change. In 2020, innovation grants will fund promising local and state partnerships with strong ideas and a commitment to systemic change. State level partnerships with innovative ideas to support the workforce are encouraged to apply, including state agencies. Visit the Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce in Colorado Initiative webpage to learn more about 2018 and 2019 grantees. A 2018 grantee report summary is also available.
Lead Agency: Early Milestones Colorado operates as lead agency for the Initiative and the primary point of contact for information about this funding opportunity.
Initiative Partners: Buell Foundation and Gary Community Investments serve as funders and advisors, working with the lead agency and resource partners in a public-private partnership to promote best practices and systemic improvements to advance the early childhood workforce in Colorado.
Grant Awards: We encourage proposals for grants of all sizes to meet individual project needs, with a plan to expend funds during the project period.
Grant Period: Successful proposals will be funded for a one-year period, from May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021.
Key Dates:
- December 20, 2019 — RFP release
- January 8, 2020 (10:00 a.m.) — Informational webinar
- February 6, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) — Intention to apply due
- February 26, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) — Proposal due
- May 1, 2020 — Awarded projects start
Important Documents:
- Request for Proposals
- RFP Project Outcomes Worksheet
- RFP Budget Spreadsheet
- Frequently Asked Questions
The RFP is also posted online at http://www.coloradoecworkforce.org, along with research and resources about Colorado’s early childhood workforce. Please register to attend the informational webinar to learn more about this opportunity.
Feel free to contact Kacee Miller, Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce in Colorado Project Director for Early Milestones Colorado, with questions.
