ERA RFP Header

ERA Open Grant Opportunity:

Supporting Equity, Relationships, and Adult Development

Grant applications closed. Please see timeline at the bottom of this page for next steps.

 

VIEW FULL APPLICATION GUIDELINES

ERA GRANTS Q&A

About

At this moment, many in the early childhood field are worried about the future of public investment in ECE programs, and the policy decisions that will ultimately impact children and families. At the Trust, we remain concerned about the disparities that exist among communities in accessing ideal learning environments for their children and in the future sustainability of an already under-resourced field.

In challenging times like these, we can find strength in our shared values and re-commit to our common purpose. For many in the ECE field, the Principles of Ideal Learning embody this collective vision. Therefore, in our upcoming grant cycle, Trust for Learning seeks to leverage the principles to unite educators in their shared vision for the holistic development of young children and serve as a catalyst for collective action.

Theory of Change

In response to this moment, Trust for Learning is announcing a new grant opportunity to provide $300,000 in funding to grantee partners to strengthen ideal learning environments and the policy environments that impact them. Trust for Learning’s theory of change prioritizes impact in the learning environments supporting children’s development (prenatal – eight) as well as the larger policy environments (local, state, or federal) in which they operate. These grants are meant to support impact at either of these levels, and will focus specifically on three ideal learning principles – Equity, Relationships, and Adult development – each an important tenet of the overall Principles of Ideal Learning framework, which are especially timely at this moment.

Before beginning an application, we recommend that providers review the full application guidelines, and familiarize themselves with the principles of ideal learning environments.

Grant Objectives:

  1. Address issues of inequity in publicly-funded early learning programs and systems through targeted supports for special populations, development of policy solutions, or collective advocacy;
  2. strengthen relationships among early learning educators, families, and leaders to build a community-wide movement for ideal learning that is rooted in shared principles of quality and fosters collaboration; and/or
  3. support educators to cultivate and maintain an intentional, shared ideal learning approach that guides their everyday practice and provides an anchor to reflect on their work.

The Trust will consider proposals ranging in amount from $35,000 to $50,000 for a period of 18 months. Priority will be given to projects that: 1) address multiple grant objectives, and 2) include partnerships between two or more existing organizations. Additionally, projects should focus on impacting ideal learning environments in publicly-funded programs.

Eligibility

The Trust welcomes applications from providers, local non-profits, national non-profits, and any other tax-exempt entities. Applicants must indicate how the principles of ideal learning align with their aspirations, goals, or current practice. 

Proposals must be submitted online. Click on the button to access the online application.

Apply for ERA Grant

Application timeline

July 1 – grant opportunity announced

August 29 by midnight ET – applications due

September 25 – final applicants selected for due diligence phase

October 31 – grant agreements signed by grantees

November 2025 – grantees announced and funds awarded

Please make sure to sign up for Trust for Learning’s monthly newsletter to receive email updates about the grant process. Questions should be directed to Jihane Mrad: [email protected], or you can refer to this Q&A document for a list of commonly asked questions about the grant. Thank you for your interest in expanding ideal learning environments for young children!

Links to All Materials