The Parents & Caregivers Organizing Fund will move money to grassroots communities organizing for change in early childhood systems across Philadelphia. This new funding initiative is supported by local philanthropic partners that include Philadelphia Health Partnership.
What early childhood systems does the Fund address—and why?
The Parents & Caregivers Organizing Fund will focus specifically on addressing systemic issues related to the first five years of life, when children make the most rapid development. These years lay the foundation for lifelong health, development, and learning, and early childhood systems – comprising educational services, childcare, early learning programs, physical and behavioral healthcare, early intervention services, or home visiting resources – support the healthy development of young children. However, these resources may be difficult to access due to systemic barriers that include racism, classism, and affordability.
The Fund has two main priorities:
Economic Justice. Over 20% of Philadelphians face economic insecurity, with the city holding the highest poverty rate among the nation’s 10 largest cities. Caregivers experiencing financial challenges urgently need support systems addressing mental health, housing, pay equity, and job development. Groups that meet the Bread & Roses eligibility criteria can apply for grants of $15,000 to support community organizing focused on the causes and effects of economic insecurity for families with young children. Organizing strategies may take many forms, including developing community-led coalitions, creating partnerships with service providers, enhancing access to critical resources, or facilitating forums where caregivers and local leaders collaborate to propose solutions and pursue systemic changes.
Coordinated Ecosystem of Support for Caregivers. Promoting optimal development for children and fostering caregiver well-being are essential to addressing systemic barriers such as limited access to childcare, nutritious meals, and holistic health services. Grants of $15,000 will be available to community groups that are organizing to develop a coordinated care infrastructure that strengthens local service delivery systems while addressing key barriers. These community groups may employ organizing strategies like convening service providers, caregivers, parents, local leaders, and community partners at the neighborhood level.
These priorities overlap and are not mutually exclusive. Groups that are focused on building power among families with young children through leadership development, community organizing, and collaboration with other community-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Groups that are based in zip codes with high poverty rates are especially encouraged to apply.
How can I apply? Am I eligible?
The Parents & Caregivers Organizing Fund makes grants to groups that:
- Meet all basic eligibility criteria
- Have a strategy for promoting equitable access to early childhood systems, including healthcare, education, childcare, and other services
- Are focused on the root causes and effects of economic disparities for families with young children
- Are using community organizing to develop a coordinated care infrastructure that strengthens local service delivery systems while addressing key barriers
Grant applications will be accepted through March 21, 2025.
Click here to apply.
Proposals will be reviewed by a Community Grantmaking Committee composed primarily of parents and caregivers. Grant awards will be announced in June.
For more information about eligibility or the review process, please contact Bread & Roses at grants@breadrosesfund.org.
Application Support
For all of our grantmaking programs, we offer optional 15-minute appointments to provide help with the application. Click here to access the calendar and book an appointment.