First 5 LA is a leading early childhood advocate working collaboratively across Los Angeles County to ensure that every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life. One of the ways in which we work to meet this goal is Best Start, which focuses on building supportive communities where children and families can thrive.

First 5 LA supports Best Start in 14 communities across Los Angeles County. While these communities face critical issues such as poverty, high unemployment and teen birth rates, each has a strong network of local leaders and non-profit organizations dedicated to making a difference. First 5 LA works in partnership with these networks to promote a common vision and collective will throughout eachcommunity that will give kids the best start in life.

As part of this partnership effort, non-profit organizationsmay request sponsorship of a community event. This request must be made to a Best Start Community Partnershipin writing, utilizing the Community Sponsorship Application Form.These community events must be related to First 5 LA’s goals, and address the priorities of that Best Start Community in order to be eligible for consideration.Events may include health fairs, resource fairs, educational forums and conferences.

Application Process

In order for a community eventto be considered for funding, the applicant must proceed with the following steps:

Step One:The Community Sponsorship Application Formmust be receivedby the CommunicationsOfficer (CO) to determine eligibility. The application must be received a minimum of two(2) months prior to the event. Ninety(90) days is recommended. If the application does not meet eligibility requirements, the CO will return the application with explanation.

Step Two:The Best Start Community’s Communication Workgroup will review the application to determine if the event aligns with their goals and activities. If approved, the application will be sent to thePartnership’sLeadership Group. If denied, the Communications Officer will return the application with explanation.

Step Three: ThePartnership’sLeadership Group will review the application with Best StartCommunity’s Program Officer to make recommendations for funding or denial. Depending on the Best Start Community, the next step is either: A) The Leadership Group approves the request and the application moves to Step Four; or B) The recommendation will go to a final vote by Best StartCommunity’s full Partnership for approval before proceedingto Step Four.

Step Four: The Communications Officer will submit the approved application request to First 5 LA. Applicants should allow for an approximate 30-day time period after this date that involves administrative approval and payment processing and mailing. If there are any further questions or needs during this time, the CO will contact the applicant.

Funding Amounts

Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 per community event. Awardees are subject to a maximum community sponsorship funding level of $4,999 per fiscal year.

Assets

If awarded funds, the organizer agrees to provide First 5 LA with the following assets:

  1. An opportunity to speak with event participants, if appropriate.
  2. Prominent display of the Best Start Community’s logo on all event materials such as brochures, programs, websites, advertising and other promotional material. Use of logo must follow the First 5 LA Style Guide. The CO will provide brand materials.
  3. If appropriate, one information booth/table for distribution of materials by Best Start Community members.

Questions?

Please contact the Best Start Community’s Communications Officer below, or Katie Kurutz, Place-Based Marketing Manager at .

Afton Kobayashi – Broadway-Manchester, Compton-East Compton, Watts-Willowbrook, West Athens

213.482.7816

Fabiola Montiel – Central Long Beach, East Los Angeles, Metro, South El Monte/El Monte

213.482.7825

Sheila Rodriguez – Lancaster, Northeast Valley Communities, Palmdale, Panorama City and Neighbors

213.482.6006

Version: 5/19/15 1