Early Childhood Education and Development Fund Buncombe County’s investments in early childhood care and education.
Buncombe County has established an Early Childhood Education and Development Fund for the purpose of advancing the strategic priority to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days, including access to quality early childhood education. This fund was established on October 30, 2018 by the Board of Commissioners in their adoption of Resolution #18-10-16. Notice: FY2021 applications are due February 14, 2020. Refer to the document, “FY2021 Grant Guidelines” for full details, including: eligibility; timeline; application process; awards; and more.
Early Childhood and Development Committee Information Table: Early Childhood and Development Committee DescriptionThe purpose of the Early Childhood and Development Committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Education and Development Fund. The Committee shall consist of fifteen (15) members and shall be appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners upon application as follows: •three (3) members of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners; •one (1) business community or economic development professional; •one (1) funder or community investment professional; •one (1) parent; •one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children; •one (1) professor or higher education professional; and •one (1) retiree from the field of early childhood education. •six (6) members of the public representing the community at large. Positions15 Term Length2 years Number of Terms3 By-Laws Download PDF (adopted September 3, 2019)
Buncombe County requested proposals for community based projects to enhance outcomes for young children and their families in our community through early childhood care and education. Twenty six applications were submitted, totaling nearly $7 million. The committee reviewed applications and made recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. $1.95 million is allocated to new grants for FY2020, and $1.65 million is allocated to renewing commitments. The funding is divided among 19 different projects within 11 organizations. CLICK HERE for a full list of funded projects for FY2020.