The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for Early Care Spaces from August 4-25, 2025. Funding supports programs that promote early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old. Organizations can apply for one-year grants of up to $75,000 or two-year grants of up to $100,000.
Research shows that the greatest opportunity to foster literacy growth occurs during early childhood through second grade. However, not all Oakland children have equal access to early learning experiences that maximize this critical window of development. This program aims to fund innovative, community-based solutions that bridge gaps and expand access to high-quality early learning experiences, particularly for families in underserved areas. See previous Early Care Spaces grantees.
Early Care Spaces Priorities
This grantmaking program strives to advance work that focuses on:
- Supporting children in expanding their literacy and language skills.
- Creating opportunities that increase parents’ and caregivers’ capacity to support early literacy.
- Upskilling and career advancement for early care providers to lead language-rich, developmentally appropriate and culturally connected care.
Refinements To Support Stronger Grant Applications
Early Care Spaces launched in 2024 in commemoration of the Rainin Foundation’s 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking. During this inaugural year, we kept the program broad to welcome a more holistic view of how literacy and language development show up in early learning experiences. In doing this we learned terms like “Family, Friend and Neighbor care,” “informal care” and “literacy and language development” were understood differently, which created ambiguity on how to align with our priorities.
To make things clearer, we created simpler explanations in our frequently asked questions and updated our eligibility requirements and priorities. We hope these changes help applicants submit strong proposals. As always, we welcome ongoing feedback.
One Stage Application And Grant Review Panel
This year, we’ve streamlined our application to one stage in recognition of the administrative burden last year’s two-stage process placed on applicants. By consolidating the application, we’re focusing on only the information necessary to make informed funding decisions.
To support organizations in exploring fit, we’re offering both virtual and in-person office hours. Instead of a formal letter of inquiry, organizations can submit a brief paragraph about their work when scheduling a meeting. This will help guide more targeted conversations around alignment.
As we continue to advance equity and build mutually accountable relationships, we recognize the importance of shifting the power of grantmaking decisions to a more inclusive and transparent process. This year we are engaging early childhood education leaders and current grantees who are experienced in Oakland’s landscape to review applications and make funding recommendations. Including stakeholders in the decision-making process helps us ensure that we are funding relevant and effective programs. You can review the Evaluation Criteria for how the panelists will assess applications.
Ask Me Questions
As the Education Program Officer, I’m here to help answer your questions about Early Care Spaces and how your project aligns with its priorities. You can schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting or a 45-minute in-person meeting during my office hours. Before your meeting, I encourage you to read through the Early Care Spaces priorities, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
Important Grant Application Dates
- In-person or Virtual Office Hours: July 7-August 1, 2025
- Application: August 4-25 at 11:59 PM (PST)
- Award Notification: November 3, 2025
- Grant Period:
- January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026, for grantees who choose a 12-month grant period
- January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027, for grantees who choose a 24-month grant period
About The Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a family foundation that collaborates with creative thinkers in the Arts, Education and Health. We believe in taking smart risks to achieve breakthroughs. The Foundation supports visionary artists in the Bay Area, creates opportunities for Oakland’s youngest learners and funds researchers at the forefront of scientific discoveries. Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded over $46 million in funding to support evidence-based practices to help children become confident, capable and joyful learners. Learn more about the Rainin Foundation’s grantmaking.
