Strong Learners is a high-impact solution taking a complete approach to making sure children learn to read by third grade, so they can then read to learn.
GOAL: Double the percentage of strong learners living in low Child Well-Being communities who are strong readers (20 to 40%) by 2027
All Child Well-Being Mission Fund grants are organized into three major approaches: Direct Service, Systems Approach, and Capacity Building. For more information on the Fund and what type of work falls into each of these approaches, visit the Child Well-Being Mission Fund Overview Page.
Within the Strong Learners Portfolio, we have five pathways through which we seek to create change:
Read more about the Strong Learners Investment Priority area and the Child Well-Being Mission Fund.
The Strong Learners Investment Priority area is requesting proposals from organizations providing services in the following two pathways. Applicants can apply to only one pathway.
Build Reading Skills: Direct Service Approach
Engaging community volunteers as tutors and building collaborative opportunities with community groups to increase and expand literacy-focused resources at summer enrichment programs. We recognize that while many children and youth across Greater Atlanta are offered a variety of programming, there are persistent gaps in access to quality educational services, particularly in low-income communities.
Consideration given to organizations or groups providing subsidized quality learning activities that fill capacity gaps at summer programs, collaborative networks addressing language and literacy gaps through “study hubs,” and other innovative programs that align activities with school curricula, so students come back ready to learn.
Increase Healthcare Navigation: Direct Service Approach
Support for families navigating untreated behavioral/mental health challenges and other family health issues that get in the way of school attendance. Consideration given to agencies providing early detection screenings and behavioral health services for children aged 0-8 and their families.
The grant process has five phases that will extend from January – May 2022. More information will be provided in the Applicant Orientation.
January
Applicant Orientation Webinar
Application opens Jan. 12, 2022
Application deadline: February 2, 2022
All applications submitted through FLUXX
No incomplete or late submissions accepted
Mid-February – Early April
Assessment of application
Follow up questions
Mid–Late April
United Way Leadership volunteers make grant decisions
All applicants notified
Late April – Mid May
Grantee Orientation
Development of measures
Finalize contract
Racial Equity: Applicants should speak to their ability to center the voice of their constituents and how they will utilize this funding to institute equitable practices in their service delivery model.
Funding Pathways: Priority consideration will be given to organizations or groups that demonstrate the following:
Additionally, consideration will be given to organizations or groups working with families and children to build relationships while services are provided at home or at a center. Grants will prioritize programs/projects addressing social and emotional learning, as well as behavioral/mental health interventions, either as a part of programming or through a partner.
Priority consideration will also be given to applicants who can demonstrate strong relationships and trust within their communities.
Priority consideration will be given to organizations that serve communities where English is not the primary language (immigrant/refugee populations)
Geographies Served: Grants should be geographically focused on communities of low or very low child well-being. We have a particular interest in funding programs in the communities surrounding Clayton, Dekalb, and S. Fulton counties.
Collaborative Opportunities: We believe success requires the unique contributions of the entire community, including individuals, families, schools, nonprofits, the faith-based community, funders, governments, and the private sector. Priority consideration will be given to thoughtful projects and programs undertaken by collaborative partnerships. We define collaborative partnerships as:
United Way of Greater Atlanta will be accepting applications from January 12, 2022 – February 2, 2022 through our grants portal FLUXX. The link will to the application will go live on January 12, 2022.