First 5 Kern has put over $200 million into the community since our founding by Proposition 10 in 1998. The majority of those dollars were provided to programs that deliver key services for children and families. However, operating a year-round program isn’t the only way to receive support.
Each year, tens of thousands of dollars are awarded for other means of supporting programs and the youngest in our county. Events like educational conferences, community health fairs, family events, and car seat giveaways are great ways to show your support for young children and their families, and may be eligible to receive funding.
In order to receive consideration for funding, you must complete the event form below. The summary should include details about the event and a clear breakdown of how the funds from First 5 Kern will be utilized. outlining the event and detailing how the First 5 Kern funds will be used. Your event must demonstrate a targeted approach to benefit children 0-5 and their families. All requests for this funding have a maximum award of $5,000.
Resource table for First 5 Kern at a recent early education and child care conference
Organizations and Events that received community support grants from First 5 Kern in 2022-23:
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center baby showers
Safely Surrendered Baby outreach
Kern Valley Aquatics Program life jacket giveaway event
Kern County Black Chamber Kids Appreciation Day
Riverstone Wellness parent-child playgroups
Kern River Valley FRC car seat giveaway
Early Childhood Council of Kern Infant Toddler Seminar
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROCESS
First 5 Kern receives dozens of requests for funding each year, under First 5 Kern’s Community Support Policy. Funding is awarded based on the educational and service value, the number of children prenatal to age five and their families served, how the event/project/conference aligns with the mission and vision of First 5 Kern, and the availability of funds. A Community Support and Sponsorship Funding Policy is in place for the purpose of a fair and consistent way to respond to sponsorship requests.
Grant application procedure
PROCEDURE
Complete the above online form. Fill in all fields, and include any information you think would properly demonstrate the impact on the lives of children 0-5 and their families. ALL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT DATE. All applicants will be notified within 30 days of submission.
Requests for Commission support for community and educational events and activities will be evaluated according to the following guidelines:
The requesting organization must be a legally constituted 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or government agency.
The purpose of the event or activity must be consistent with the First 5 Kern’s mission and vision.
The event or activity must benefit children ages 0 to 5 and their families.
The requested funds must be available in the current operating budget.
The requested funds must be used to supplement and not supplant other funding.
The requested funds must not be used for advocacy for a political cause, legislative position, or lobbying local, state or federal legislators.
The event or activity must not be used to benefit an individual.
The event or activity must not be used for fundraising purposes.
The Communications Manager will contact the requestor to inform them if the request is approved or denied upon direction of the Executive Director:
First 5 Kern will verify if an ACH Vendor Packet (with W9) is current and on file (this is mandatory).
Upon approval requestors must email the Vendor Packet to First 5 Kern Finance Manager Crystal Gardner (cgardner@first5kern.org) and Communications Manager Kevin Bartl (kbartl@first5kern.org)
Requestors will be provided with the Attribution Policy regarding proper logo usage. Promotional materials for the event/project/conference must acknowledge First 5 Kern as a sponsor using the attribution logo.
The Communications Manager is required to approve all materials before printing to ensure appropriate attribution.
PROMOTING THE EVENT
Please share with First 5 Kern any flyers, social media posts, event/project/conference program, etc. so that (if the requestor desires) we can also help promote the event/project/conference on social media media and First 5 Kern’s Handprints Newsletter.
AFTER EVENT COMPLETION
Once your event or project is completed, within 30 days you are required to submit either by letter or email to the Communications Manager:
The number of children prenatal to age five and families that were reached.
Total number of attendees (as accurately as possible)
Copies of printed materials such as flyers, brochures and event/project/conference program highlighting age-appropriate activities. Include age appropriate materials whenever applicable.
Photographs from the event/project/conference.
Impact stories or anecdotal information on the benefits of the event
NOTE: Due to Proposition 10 reporting and evaluation guidelines, this follow up step is very important. Failure to provide adequate information summarizing how First 5 Kern funding helped support your project or event can hinder your ability to be considered for future requests.
The Executive Director will submit a letter of approval to the First 5 Kern Commission for their record and notification (see meeting schedule: http://first5kern.org/meetings/).
NOTE: This policy is necessary to provide a fair and consistent way to respond to requests for financial support. Commission support for community events, educational symposia, event co-sponsorship and other activities is desirable if such support aligns with the Commission’s mission and vision. In making determinations about such support, consideration will also be given to the educational and service value of the event or activity, the number of young children and their families served and the availability of funds.
**Guidelines for receiving Community Support funds are based on Kern County Children and Families Commission Administrative Bulletin No. 4 (dated June, 2011).**
Community Event Support Grant online application
Community Event Support Grant funding request
Community Event Grant summary form
Community Event Support Grant summary form
Further information
Please feel free to contact Kevin Bartl, Communications Manager, with any questions:
Kevin Bartl
661.328.7034 kbartl@first5kern.org
