San Bernardino, CA – First 5 San Bernardino announces the release of two new funding opportunities. Proposed projects should align with First 5 San Bernardino’s Strategic Plan and its community vision. This includes ensuring local communities are engaged and empowered to support the healthy development of young children; preparing children to succeed in school; ensuring families are safe and healthy; and building systems that are responsive to local needs. Nonprofits, charitable organizations and/or government entities in the County of San Bernardino may submit proposals.

The total amount to be invested by the First 5 San Bernardino Commission for the Family Literacy Development Service is budgeted to be $1,500,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2013 – 2015. Through this RFP, direct services will be provided to children 0-5 and their families as identified in the First 5 San Bernardino Strategic Plan for Education.

The total amount to be invested by the First 5 San Bernardino Commission for the Healthy Cities projects is budgeted to be $500,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2013 – 2015. Through this RFP, services will be provided to children 0-5 and their families as identified in the First 5 San Bernardino Strategic Plan for Commission’s Responsive Initiatives Systems.

Selected proposals will be awarded reimbursement contracts for the two year period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. The Commission may, but is not obligated to extend awarded contracts for up to one additional year contingent upon the availability of funds, Contractor performance, and outcomes. The number of awarded contracts will be determined by the content quality of the proposals received.

First 5 San Bernardino encourages local organizations, particularly those who are not currently funded by First 5 San Bernardino, to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 26, 2013 by 4:00 p.m. For more information on guidelines and to apply, please visit www.First5SanBernardino.org.

About First 5 San Bernardino
Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes and tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5.