Grants for Early Childhood Education (United States)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Frances R. Dewing Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and government entities for innovative early childhood education projects benefiting children from infancy through sixth grade. The foundation prioritizes projects with broad reach and direct, demonstrable benefits for children, with a preference for seed funding for new initiatives.

About the Frances R. Dewing Foundation

The Frances R. Dewing Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting early childhood education across the United States. The foundation focuses on initiatives that directly benefit children from infancy through sixth grade. While its work was originally concentrated in New England, the foundation now accepts applications from eligible organizations across the United States. Funding is intended for innovative projects that can reach a broad group of children and demonstrate clear benefits for them. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The foundation considers projects that are: - Innovative in their approach. - Focused directly on children from infancy through sixth grade. - Broad in their reach. - Able to demonstrate direct benefits to children. - Designed to introduce or develop new approaches in early childhood education. Day care projects may also be considered when they are specific and innovative. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include organizations and government entities based and operating in the United States.

Eligible applicants include:

- U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. - Government entities. - Schools. - School districts. The proposed project must also be located in the United States. Who Is Not Eligible? The Frances R. Dewing Foundation does not accept applications from: - Individuals. - Organizations located outside the United States. - Projects located outside the United States. The foundation generally does not provide funding to: - Charter schools. - Faith-based or religious organizations. - Organizations that make grants to other organizations. Applicants should review these restrictions before preparing an application. What Projects Are Not Funded? The foundation focuses on projects that directly benefit children and does not generally support initiatives primarily designed to benefit adults. Examples of activities that are not supported include: - Parent education projects that primarily serve adults. - Staff recruitment initiatives. - General operating expenses. - Capital campaigns. - Camperships. - Scholarships. Day care projects are considered only when they have a specific and innovative focus. Preference for New Projects The Frances R. Dewing Foundation gives preference to providing seed money for new projects. Applicants should therefore clearly explain what is new or innovative about their proposed initiative and how the requested funding will help establish or develop the project. Funding for a single project rarely continues beyond three years. Focus on Direct Benefits to Children A central consideration is whether a proposed project provides direct and demonstrable benefits to children.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- Which children will benefit. - How the project will reach them. - What educational benefits are expected. - Why the project is innovative. - How the project can have a broad reach. Projects primarily benefiting adults are not the foundation’s focus. Application Process Applications are accepted year-round through the foundation’s online application system. Although applications can be submitted throughout the year, proposals are reviewed twice annually.

The two review periods are:

- April. - October. Applicants should submit their proposals through the online application system in time for the relevant review cycle. Application Review and Notification The foundation reviews applications twice each year. Applicants are notified of the outcome within four weeks of the application deadline. Applicants should therefore expect to receive a decision relatively soon after the applicable review period. Grant Disbursement Grant funds are typically distributed within four to six weeks after the deadline. Organizations receiving funding should plan their project implementation and financial management accordingly. Reporting Requirements Grantees are required to submit a final report one year after receiving the grant. The report provides an opportunity for funded organizations to document the progress and outcomes of their supported project. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should focus their proposal on the foundation’s interest in innovative early childhood education projects that directly benefit children. A strong application should clearly describe: - The educational problem or need being addressed. - The proposed innovative solution. - The children who will benefit. - The project’s expected reach. - The direct benefits for children. - Why the project is different from existing approaches. - How the requested funding will help launch or develop the initiative. - How the project can demonstrate meaningful outcomes. Applicants should also make sure that the project does not primarily benefit adults or fall within the foundation’s excluded funding categories. Why This Funding Matters Early childhood education can play an important role in children’s learning and development. The Frances R. Dewing Foundation supports organizations developing innovative approaches that can directly benefit children through sixth grade. Its preference for seed funding can provide organizations with an opportunity to establish new initiatives, test innovative approaches, and develop projects with broader reach. Key Facts About the Frances R. Dewing Foundation Grants

- Funder: Frances R. Dewing Foundation

- Focus: Early childhood education

- Beneficiaries: Children from infancy through sixth grade

- Geographic scope: United States

- Eligible applicants: U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government enti