Policy Pick: First 5 LA Will Soon Launch Policy Advocacy Fund

When the Policy Advocacy Fund issues its request for proposals next week, the goal will be to broaden the range of voices in early childhood advocacy by opening up the opportunity to both "traditional" and "nontraditional" agencies, as well as organizations outside of Los Angeles County.

Previously, policy grants were only awarded to early childhood advocates who focus on issues affecting children 5 and younger. However, this new grant opportunity will be open to different types of groups, like civic associations, chambers of commerce, volunteer groups and faith-based organizations. The impetus behind expanding the scope of participants is to allow anyone interested in investing in early childhood education and development programs to do so, since these investments pay off in the long run and strongly impact everyone.

The PAF is designed to support a variety of strategies in the policy and advocacy arena that advance First 5 LA's Policy Agenda. Through PAF grants, First 5 LA will work to bolster advocacy that promotes long-term change for young children and their families. Past First 5 LA policy grants supported efforts including dental benefits for pregnant women, increasing access to services for perinatal depression and ensuring safe play spaces for young children.

Funds will be available for grants not to exceed $500,000 for up to five years. Currently, two cycles of PAF funding are anticipated, with the second expected in 2013.

The RFP will be posted on First 5 LA's Funding Center Web page on Aug. 31. There will be a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 7, to further explain the new fund and answer questions. Proposals will be due on Oct. 7.

Back to this week's Monday Morning Report.