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Throughout the CARE framework, community organizations can apply for grants of up to $50,000 annually to address critical issues across four focus areas: Community, Access, Resilience, and Empowerment. These mini-grants are part of ECT’s mission to create a brighter, healthier future for Escambia County by fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and meaningful change.
Community Engagement and Outreach grants are available options to provide community partners with an opportunity to seek funding for existing programs, advocacy efforts, or events/activities that support the children and families in Escambia County.
This CARE framework for community grants can be applied across various sectors, from health and education to environmental sustainability and orchestrating transformative outcomes that benefit the future of our community. By focusing on these core areas, the mini-grant, one-time funding options can help foster more inclusive, resilient, and empowered communities.
1. Community
Purpose: Strengthen and support local communities by fostering unity and collaboration.
Areas of Focus:
- Programs that promote community engagement, civic participation, and positive relationships with law enforcement
- Support for local groups organizing community events centered around the betterment of children and family engagement
- Building a sense of community through neighborhood engagement opportunities
2. Access
Purpose: Increase access to essential services, resources, and opportunities for underserved or marginalized populations.
Areas of Focus:
- Initiatives that enhance existing program access to healthcare, education, and physical/safety factors
- Funding for projects that build or enhance accessible transportation and technology for youth in vital local programming
- Enhancing existing community programs, and/or collaborative projects that provide direct services to children and young people
- Offer participant performance incentives to address academic performance, chronic absenteeism/truancy, or increase positive behavior
3. Resilience
Purpose: Build resilience in communities to withstand social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Areas of Focus:
- Projects focused on sustainable community practices, which may include evidence-based practices, evidence informed practices or innovative programming that supports a targeted population
- Support projects that focus on mental wellness, domestic violence awareness, human trafficking, reduction in youth delinquency and/or promote resiliency
4. Empowerment
Purpose: Empower individuals and communities to take control of their own futures.
Areas of Focus:
- Initiatives that provide leadership training, youth mentorship, or capacity-building opportunities
- Funding for advocacy groups or initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of children and youth in the community
- Supporting programs that encourage youth engagement, community violence prevention activities, and/or the development of collaboratives providing mentorship through lived experiences
By addressing critical issues through targeted funding in Community, Access, Resilience, and Empowerment, these grants empower local organizations to create lasting change. Whether it’s enhancing access to essential resources or promoting leadership and advocacy, the CARE grants offer a unique opportunity to transform the future for children and families in Escambia County.
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