CCCFC Offering $175,000 In Family-Friendly Community Grants
Prop. 10 Funds To Support Community Improvement Projects Benefiting Young Children

—Contact: Tracy Irwin 925/335-9991 ext. 13

Martinez (March 11, 2002) — The Contra Costa Children and Families Commission is offering $175,000 in Proposition 10 funds to support local community improvement projects that will benefit families with children up to age 5. Non-profit organizations and community groups are eligible to apply for a $5,000 Family-Friendly Community Grant for projects that provide enrichment activities for parents and children or improve community safety.

“Family-Friendly Community Grants provide small sums of money for parents and community members to take action and make the changes for young children that are important for their communities,” said Brenda Blasingame, executive director of the Contra Costa Children and Families Commission. “The projects funded by the Commission’s Family-Friendly grants are driven by the people who know what’s best, and what works, for their neighborhoods.”

The Commission’s previous Family-Friendly Community Grants have funded projects including parent seminars on proper smoke alarm use; CPR and first aid training; and swimming lessons and water safety training for preschoolers, among many others.

In order to apply, applicants must attend one of six Commission-sponsored Information Workshops offered throughout the county where they will learn more about the application process and have the opportunity to refine their ideas with Commission staff. Spanish translation and child care will be offered at all workshops. Applicants will also have the option to meet with Commission staff for a thirty-minute period prior to submitting their applications.

“We realize that many community members have never applied for a grant before,”said Blasingame. “The workshops are designed to explain the grant application process and help community members transform a great idea into a successful project.”

Family-Friendly Community Grant applications are due May 1, 2002. Applications will be available at the Information Workshops and can be previewed after March 20th on the Commission’s website, www.cckids.org. Applications can be mailed out by request by calling (925) 335-9991.

Information Workshops will take place at the following sites:

In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes. Revenues generated are used to fund local health, child care and education programs that promote early childhood development, targeting children during their first five years of life, as well as anti-tobacco education. From the tax, approximately $9 million per year funds programs and projects in Contra Costa County. Funding for Family-Friendly Community Grants is available twice each year.