First Five Contra Costa Offering $250,000 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 (October 29, 2002) — First 5 Contra Costa, also known as the Contra Costa Children and Families Commission, is offering $250,000 in Proposition 10 funds to support local community improvement projects that benefit families with children up to age 5. Small 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. Larger nonprofit organizations (with budgets over $250,000) are eligible to receive grants up to $10,000.

“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 First 5 Contra Costa. “We know that families are benefiting from these projects. Playgrounds have been built, parents have been trained on infant CPR techniques and preschoolers have learned about pool safety.”

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 December 2, 2002. Applications will be available at the Information Workshops and can be previewed after October 31st on the Commission’s website, www.firstfivecc.org. Applications can be mailed 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. First 5 Contra Costa has awarded more than $400,000 for Family-Friendly Community Grants.