Guidelines

The GCC grant funds two types of projects/initiatives:

Expansion

GCC offers grants for capital expenses to assist high-quality early childhood programs in expanding the number of children that they are able to serve by adding additional classroom space.  Expansion grants are one-time grants awarded for capital expenses with maximum funding of $100,000.  Programs must be able to demonstrate student achievement results.

Project examples include but are not limited to:

• Construction costs for classroom build out
• Equipment and/or curricular resources to outfit new classroom space

Capacity Building

GCC offers grants for early childhood programs that request support in quality improvement initiatives.  These one-year grants may be awarded up to $50,000.

Project examples include but are not limited to:

• Purchasing and implementing research-based curricula or assessments
• Teacher or administrator professional development
• Support in achieving national or state accreditation

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Provide services for youth preschool to kindergarten age.
• Be incorporated as an IRC 501(c)(3) public charity.
• Be located in or primarily serve Saint Louis City or County.