Overview The W.M. Keck Foundation has a longstanding interest in programs that address children's educational needs. For example, we have underwritten Southern California broadcasts of Sesame Street since the 1970s. Building on this tradition of promoting educational excellence, the Foundation established the Early Learning Program in 2001 as a special focus within our Southern California Program. (The Southern California Program also provides grants to enrich the lives of children and youth in other focus areas: arts and culture; civic and community service; health care; and K-12 pre-collegiate education.) The Early Learning Program is guided by a focus on excellence and innovation, as embodied in the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder. We seek to invest in projects that respond to compelling needs with creative and sustainable solutions that promise to better human lives now and in the future. Major program goals: To help young children, ages 0 to 5, become confident, curious and sociable To encourage parents and caregivers to support and nurture their children's development To develop strong language and literacy skills in children and their families To ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn Applicant eligibility We invite applications from nonprofit organizations, universities and colleges in Southern California that are pursuing relevant projects. The Foundation encourages collaborative efforts with broad community support as well as projects developed by the leaders of a single organization. Project Eligibility The Early Learning Program supports programs and projects that improve the quality, increase the availability, and/or enhance the accessibility of early childhood learning opportunities that promote cognitive, social and emotional development. Examples of projects we would consider for support include, but are not limited to, the following: Training and education for teachers, child development staff, and parents or caregivers Curriculum enhancements in the areas of early literacy, reading, music, art and movement Technical assistance Purchase of equipment and materials, including developmentally appropriate toys, educational materials, books and playground equipment Construction and renovation Start-up for quality early learning programs A strong educational focus, significant parental involvement and a commitment to excellence must be the primary components of all programs or projects for which Foundation funding is being sought. Applicants should articulate how their program or project will contribute to achieving the W.M. Keck Foundation Early Learning Program's goals for the development of children and families. Target population Programs must target children 0 to 5 years old and their parents and caregivers living in Los Angeles County. The Foundation encourages applications for support of programs that serve children who are from low-income families, have special needs and/or are in the foster care system. Funding specifics Requests for multi-year funding will be considered. Preference will be given to programs that leverage funding from other public and/or private sources. Funding is not available for core operating requirements of existing programs. Grant Criteria Early Learning Program