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BECOME A FUNDED PARTNER

Welcome! If you are here, you are likely passionate about delivering programs to Wake County children, families, and child care facilities. We share your passion and hope to have the opportunity to work with you. 

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Programs and/or proposed models that provide direct services to children, families, child care facilities or community organizations in Wake County. Additionally, programs should align with  evidence-based implementation, WCSS strategic priorities and established community need. To see a list of our current partners, visit our Current Funded Partner page.

Our Application Process:

WCSS operates on a three-year funding cycle. In the first year, new and returning programs may apply. In Y2 and Y3, an application is required for current partners to secure continued funding. Our current cycle, now closed for proposals, will run from 2024 to 2027.

Below is a sample of our first year funding timeline

RFP for Funded Partners released on WCSS website

January

2 Information Sessions (one virtual, one in-person)

Jan./Feb.

Application Portal Opens

Feb.

Proposals Due

March

Allocations Committee Meets and Board Reviews Recommendations

March/April

Funding Award Notices Released

May
Funding Overview
$13M

is roughly the WCSS annual allocations budget

70%

of the funds are apportioned to supporting child care quality

30%

of the funds are allocated to programs that support children and their families

Common Questions about the Funding Process:

When is the next opportunity to submit a funding application?
The next opportunity to apply for WCSS funding will be in 2027. Proposals for our current cycle were due March 2024.
Does my program have to be an evidence-based model to receive funding?
Our current partners are funded through state funds provided by the General Assembly and managed by North Carolina Partnership for Children. In accordance to their guidance, all funded partners must follow an approved evidence-based or evidence-informed model found in North Carolina's Smart Solutions. If you would like to add an evidence-based or evidence-informed model to Smart Solutions, please click here for more information. WCSS is working on raising private funds by the start of our next funding cycle in 2027. This will give us the flexibility to support promising and innovative programs in our community.
What does the funding proposal look like and how is it completed?
We work to streamline our funding application process as much as possible. For your reference, here is our previous 2024 Application consisting of six questions and a planning budget form.  Our application is heavily aligned with our Strategic Framework and is submitted through an online portal.

Have Questions?

For more information about our allocations process, contact us here

bmcclamroch@wakesmartstart.org
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