Everything You Need to Know About Georgia DECAL’s New Early Childhood Grant

Do you operate an early childhood program in the state of Georgia? Great news! The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) recently announced three new grant opportunities for you. These Community Impact Grants will accept applications starting November 25, 2024, and ending December 20, 2024.    

Eligible applicants could receive up to $125,000 in grant funding to help close opportunity gaps and create long-term positive outcomes for children and families in the state. These grants will ensure families have access to high-quality care, early education, and the tools and support to sustain their long-term success.   

If you currently operate a child care facility in Georgia, you might have a few questions about this grant opportunity. Are you eligible to receive funding? How do you apply for this grant opportunity? When and how can you use your grant funding once you receive it?  

With close to 60 years of experience in early childhood education, Kaplan understands the impact of grant funding on the facilities that receive it and the children, families, and communities they serve. This article will address the questions above and more so you can confidently secure this funding opportunity and improve the quality of care you provide children and families in Georgia. 

What are the Georgia Community Impact Grants?  

Beginning November 25, 2024, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will open three Community Impact Grants: 

2Gen Innovation Grants for Student Parent Success

This grant supports the implementation of two-generation (2Gen) strategies that enhance children’s access to high-quality early education while also improving parents’ ability to secure jobs that support their families and foster greater economic security. Recipients of this grant could receive up to $75,000 in funding. 

2Gen Community Literacy Grants

This grant will support initiatives that improve literacy skills across generations by incorporating adult education, early education, and family engagement strategies. It also supports the Georgia Early Literacy Act, which aims to enhance early reading instructions for students in kindergarten through third grade. Recipients of this grant could receive up to $75,000 in funding.   

Community Transformation Grants

This funding opportunity will support projects that increase access to early childhood services and resources in Georgia communities. It addresses the unique needs of local populations by creating and implementing innovative, responsive projects that address early childhood gaps and challenges families face in their communities. Recipients of this grant could receive up to $125,000 in grant funding.    

Am I eligible to receive funding through the Georgia Community Impact Grants?

You are eligible for this funding opportunity if you are a licensed child care provider in Georgia and currently operate in good standing with DECAL Programs. This includes 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, school systems, and government entities. Anyone who receives funding through these three grant opportunities must address critical needs and build strong community support systems that enhance the well-being of families and children from birth through age 8.  

How much grant funding is available?  

The amount of funding available to you depends on which of the three Community Impact Grants you receive. Please note that the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will only choose six communities (18 total) to receive each grant. The table below outlines the potential grant funding available through each opportunity. 

What can I purchase with the Georgia Community Impact Grants? 

You can spend your grant dollars on projects, materials, and professional development that improves your ability to provide high-quality care to children and families in Georgia. This includes:  

• Expenses paid to external contractors helping with renovation projects, professional development sessions, speaking engagements, and more.   

• Covering the cost of non-salary benefits for your staff  

• Projects that improve the health and safety of your child care facility  

• Employee salaries   

• Classroom technology and software expenses  

You can also spend your grant dollars on furniture, books, toys, and other classroom materials that enrich the educational experiences for children from birth through age 8. This can include:    

• At-home learning and literacy kits that provide continued learning between home and school  

• Resource books for staff that improve literacy instruction in the classroom   

• A new curriculum that enhances math, literacy, and social and emotional development  

• Engaging classroom materials that focus on building early reading skills  

• Classroom furnishings that support children as they learn through play  

• Classroom carpets and interactive rugs that create cozy environments for circle time and small group activities  

• Manipulatives and other classroom toys that encourage exploration, curiosity, and child-led learning  

You are not allowed to spend your grant funds on food, meals, staff salaries for work unrelated to the Community Impact Grants, office equipment, including refrigerators, and more.   

Please get in touch with our Georgia Sales Representatives if you have any questions about approved projects and materials you can fund with this grant opportunity. He is well-versed in Georgia early childhood guidelines and will gladly assist you as you secure grant funding and shop for eligible items. 

When will I receive grant funding, and how long will I have to spend it?  

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will start reviewing applications on December 20, 2024. They will notify all grant recipients by January 24, 2025. Grant funding will be released in March 2025. All grant-funded projects and purchases must be completed by February 28, 2027.   

How do I apply for the Georgia Community Impact Grants?

To apply for this grant, submit your application using SurveyMonkey. You can easily register for free if you do not have an account. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning asks that you complete your application entirely and accurately. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will only consider those applicants who complete the entire application and meet the deadline of December 20, 2024, at 5 PM. 

Where can I shop for eligible items and materials?

Now that you understand how to secure funding through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Community Impact Grants, it’s time to start thinking about how you might spend your grant dollars once you receive them. Our Georgia Sales Representatives will be happy to assist you with any questions and put together a list of items that will enrich the learning experiences you bring to children and families in Georgia.