Q & A with Sarah Borgida, Program Officer

Each year at the Foundation, we grant over $300,000 to support the learning of children birth through age five. As Program Officer, I work closely with grantees during the application process. Below are questions about our grants and services that I often hear.

- Sarah Borgida, Foundation for Early Learning

What does "early learning" mean?

That is a great question and one we field often! Early learning is the essential learning children experience in the first five years of life. Many people think of early learning as exclusively academic - learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, for example. These skills are vital components of early learning, but there is so much more.  Early learning includes the development of social-emotional skills, like forming relationships with parents and caregivers, peers, and playmates; sharing; communicating; and learning to participate in group games and activities. It also includes health (yes, health!) - both physical and mental health.  

Why does "early learning" matter?

I’ll answer your question with a question - did you know that 90% of a child’s brain is fully developed by the time he or she is five years old? And did you know that this development is difficult to alter later in life?

For example, if a child doesn’t learn empathy in the early years of life, it is harder for him or her to pick up this practice later. The first five years set the course for the rest of a person’s life.

What does the Foundation do?

Our grants, sponsorships, publications and online services are all designed to bring people together around early learning. Our goal is to build a vibrant system for early learning in Washington State. Over the last ten years we've provided grants worth over $6.5 million to groups across Washington State.

What is a community coalition?

Coalitions are diverse groups of people dedicated to improving early learning. From business leaders and teachers, to parents and librarians, we've seen tremendous results when people work across sectors to improve the learning opportunities for all children.

Some of the projects these coalitions have worked on include launching community fairs, hosting developmental delay screenings and publishing community early learning event calendars for families.

In what communities is the Foundation working?

Foundation for Early Learning invests in communities all 39 of Washington State’s counties including urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane and rural areas like Okanogan, Ferry, Klallam, and Mason Counties.  We are excited to work with more communities in Washington, specifically groups serving underserved and overlooked communities.

While our grants and sponsorships are dedicated to Washington State, many of our other services, like the Early Learning Community, are available to everyone.

What is the average size of a grant? 

Because we often work with early-stage groups of community members, a small amount of funding goes a long way. Our coalition-building grants range from less than $2,000 to $25,000, depending on a group’s needs and goals. We also offer event sponsorships. To learn more, click here.

Can I apply for a grant?

You may qualify to apply. Learn more by checking out the Foundation’s website at http://www.earlylearning.org/grantmaking.

Are there deadlines for grant applications?

Yes. Please review the 2010 deadlines by clicking here.