Community Coalition Grant

FOR SEEKERS OF THE

Image credit: Georgia College & State University

Application Process

Please take a moment to review the information in this section before submitting your application to ensure that your organization and project align with the priorities and interests of the Deal Center. Be sure to adhere to the proposal guidelines located on this website and in the project RFA. This grant mechanism includes three funding tiers with variable amounts: 

  • Creating and Growing: $10,000 

  • Strengthening and Sustaining: $14,000 

  • Scaling and Amplifying: $24,000 

Applicants must designate a tier for their project and provide a rationale for the selected tier. The Deal Center will award grants totaling up to $150,000. Each grant is issued for one year. Previous awardees are encouraged to apply for higher funding tiers each year. 

A detailed explanation of this year’s project requirements can be found in the RFA. If you have any questions throughout the application process, we encourage you to reach out to us. 


Image credit: Georgia College & State University

Mission & Purpose

This initiative aims to improve early language and literacy skills for children in Georgia by supporting community coalitions that promote young brain development.

The Deal Center will fund projects that use the GGR Campaign principles as a framework for cross-sector collaboration to advance developmentally appropriate practices in communities.

Specifically, the Deal Center will fund projects designed to create conditions described by the pillars — language nutrition, access, positive learning climate, and teacher preparation and effectiveness — which foster educational, social, language, literacy, and/or cognitive development for Georgia’s children from birth through age five.

Each project should target at least one specific condition and utilize a research-based toolkit to foster collective action through a common language. 

Eligibility & Fit

We welcome applications from any nonprofit organization, or from organizations collaborating with a fiscal sponsor, that are focused on enhancing educational and developmental outcomes for children in Georgia.

To apply, your proposal must demonstrate collaboration across sectors with at least one partner organization. You can include up to three partner organizations in your application. Please note that only one Community Coalition Grant application will be accepted per organization. The Deal Center welcomes applications across organizations, including but not limited to:   

  • Advocacy organizations 

  • Civic and community organizations  

  • Family Connection collaboratives 

  • Community-oriented non-profits 

  • City or County government agencies  

  • Municipality departments, such as libraries or museums 

  • Early education organizations 

Expectations for Successful Grantees

Grantees will be required to: 

  • Enter into a contract with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, representing Georgia College & State University and the Deal Center.   

  • Provide mid-term and final reports detailing progress towards goals and partnerships, as outlined in the contract.   

  • Collaborate closely with the Deal Center for effective project implementation.   

  • Present findings at least once during a Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy program or meeting.   

  • Include the Deal Center logos and appropriate language to acknowledge funding support in all marketing materials and presentations. The Deal Center will supply a high-resolution digital file for use on websites, media, and promotional materials as part of the awardees' contract. 


Apply

After examining the Deal Center's current Eligibility requirements, Expectations for Successful Grantees, and Frequently Asked Questions, interested organizations are encouraged to review the RFA before beginning their proposal. Project dates, including the RFA release schedule, webinars, and award announcements, will be found below when applicable; grant requests will be accepted during the application window through the Qualtrics application link located in the RFA.

Each organization is permitted to submit only one request per year for consideration.  

Organizations with questions about the application process or specific project requirements are encouraged to reach out to the Deal Center for assistance. 

Image credit: Georgia College & State University