First 5 Kern’s minigrant program was established in 2001 to target improvements that would help provide safe and healthy environments for young children. These minigrants allowed smaller organizations, such as licensed daycare facilities with classroom and playground renovation and repair needs, an opportunity to compete for Proposition 10 funds. Many of these organizations did not necessarily have the staffing or resources to compete for funds through our traditional request for funding process. To date, First 5 Kern has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.

Because unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 5, First 5 Kern introduced its Unintentional Injury Minigrant Program and awarded its first grant in 2006. The program is designed to respond to an escalating death and disability rate by providing funds to purchase resources such as infant seats, bicycle helmets, water safety devices and other safety related items.

"2008 Minigrant Awards"