Local Impact in Forsyth County Funding Opportunity

Promoting Universal Pre-K in Forsyth County - Closed

Research shows that high-quality pre-kindergarten has many benefits: children who attend strong programs are less likely to be held back, more likely to graduate from high school, and have higher earnings as an adult. However, NC Pre-K, North Carolina’s affordable, quality program for four-year olds, does not meet enough of the need. Locally, more than half of the children arriving at kindergarten in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools are already at risk of falling behind. This funding opportunity will support efforts to implement universal pre-K in Forsyth County. Applicants can propose convening partners or building the capacity of historically marginalized communities to participate in the campaign.

Steps to Apply

Overview

Goal

Increase access to and reduce bias in high-quality pre-K.

Strategy

Convene, facilitate, and coordinate stakeholders to collectively address goals. This could include better coordination within and across systems and regularly convening community partners.

Build community, organizational, and individual capacity in areas with low incomes so that historically marginalized populations can participate in economic, education, and health improvement efforts.

Timeframe for Applications

The Trust is not currently accepting applications for this funding opportunity.

Geographic Focus

Forsyth County

Next Steps

If you think you are a fit, assess your eligibility below and then contact us to apply. Or, view all funding opportunities here.

Details

Research shows that high-quality pre-kindergarten has many benefits: children who attend strong programs are less likely to be held back, more likely to graduate from high school, and have higher earnings as an adult. However, NC Pre-K, North Carolina’s affordable, quality program for four-year olds, does not meet enough of the need. Locally, less than 25 percent of four-year-olds are enrolled in quality pre-K programs, and in 2017, there was a waitlist of 267 for the NC Pre-K program. We also know more than half of the children arriving at kindergarten in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools are already at risk of falling behind.

Political leaders in the state have demonstrated their commitment to increasing access to NC Pre-K by funding additional slots across the state. These funds, however, are not enough to meet the need, and legislative priorities can quickly shift.

Locally, organizations have come together to explore opportunities for providing pre-K access to all Forsyth County four-year-olds, which aligns with Great Expectations’ goal of ensuring all children enter kindergarten prepared for success. This effort, called the Pre-K Priority, aims to educate, engage, and mobilize the public and secure a commitment from civic leaders to support universal high-quality Pre-K programs in the county. This collaborative has launched a website and a communications campaign. They have also conducted surveys and produced a feasibility study. Now the groups want to build a broader and stronger commitment to early childhood programming for all four-year-olds in Forsyth. The Trust plans to support organizations that are convening stakeholders to keep the universal pre-K campaign coordinated. We also plan to partner with groups that represent marginalized populations or communities of color to ensure that this effort represents the full diversity and strength of Forsyth County.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, consider the following questions and requirements:

  • Is your organization or work a good fit with the Trust?
  • Are you located or operating in North Carolina?
  • Does your work focus on improving quality of life and health for North Carolinians with low incomes?
  • Do you primarily support populations experiencing poverty?
    • These populations include: individuals living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; the uninsured; and those eligible for Medicaid and/or the free/reduced school lunch program.
  • Are your clients (or focus population) residents of North Carolina? If yes, then you may fit our geographic criteria.

Organizations the Trust WILL fund:

  • Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Governmental entities

Organizations the Trust WILL NOT fund:

  • Individuals
  • Faith-based organizations without 501(c)(3)
  • Type III supporting organizations
  • Organizations providing pass-through funds to an ineligible organization

Eligible? Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Back to all funding opportunities.