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Visit Programs We Fund for a list of our Programs and Initiatives.

We do not provide any direct services for families.

New Parent Kits are provided by First 5 California at no-cost to families and partner agencies.

Contact Commission staff if your agency would like to distribute New Parent Kits

Try contacting:

• Children’s Services (child welfare, adoptions, foster care): 800-400-0902
• Child Support Services: 866-901-3212

Visit Programs We Fund for a list of Programs and Initiatives.

The Commission meets every other month. Please see the Calendar for dates and times.

Public comment is invited at the beginning of each Commission meeting, and during every action item. Comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

To request to be added to a Commission agenda to provide a presentation, please contact staff.

The Commission solicits feedback from the community, and develops a comprehensive Strategic Plan every few years.

The annual budget is developed based on the priorities identified in the Strategic Plan. The Commission updates its Strategic Plan annually at the April meeting, and approves its budget in June. Community input is welcomed and encouraged at every Commission and Committee meeting.

Funding is allocated annually for Mini-Grants and Professional Development, and may be applied for through our website.

The Commission, from time to time, will release competitive funding opportunities through a competitive public solicitation, and will post funding availability on its website.

The Commission is committed to being accessible to the Butte County community, and welcomes new ideas for programs and services. If you are interested in presenting an idea to the Commission, please first review the Commission’s Financial Plan and Strategic Plan to confirm that your idea is in alignment with the Commission’s priorities.

Next, please contact Commission staff and provide your idea in writing.

The Commission is comprised of 9 Commissioners and 5 Alternative Commissioners, and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, with the following affiliations, to participate as Commissioners:

• Recipients of project services as set forth in the county strategic plan;
• Educators specializing in early childhood development;
• Representatives of a local organization for prevention or early intervention for families at risk;
• Representatives of community-based organizations that have the goal of promoting nurturing and early childhood development;
• Representatives of local school districts;
• Representatives of local medical, pediatric, or obstetric associations or societies;
• The county health officer and/or persons responsible for the management of the following county functions: children's services, public health services, behavioral health services, social services, and tobacco and other substance abuse prevention and treatment services;
• Representatives of a local child care resource or referral agency, or a local child care coordinating group.

Qualified community members may submit an application to be a Commissioner. It’s recommended that you attend at least two Commission meetings before submitting your application.

All agencies and organizations that serve Butte County, California children aged 0-to-5 and their families are eligible to apply for funds. Funds shall not be used to supplant existing funding or result in savings.

Applications must be submitted online through the Submit Funding Inquiry link. You will receive a response within 7-10 business days after you submit an inquiry for funds. If your inquiry is approved, you will receive an email with next steps in the application process. Funds shall not be used to supplant existing funding or result in savings.

STEPS TO SUBMITTING AN INQUIRY/REQUEST FOR FUNDS:

1. Thoroughly review the Strategic Plan and sample templates.
2. Applications must be submitted online through the Submit Funding Inquiry link with brief information about your request. You will receive a response within 7-10 business days.
3. If your inquiry is approved, you will receive an application and additional instructions. (If your inquiry is denied, you will receive a denial email.)
4. Submit your completed application and all requested additional information: W9, Proof of Insurance, etc.

• Professional Development: Professional development funds in amounts of up to $1,000 are to be used for expenses associated with trainings, workshops, summits, conferences, and related educational opportunities that align with the Commission's current Strategic Plan and role of the individual attending the educational opportunity. Grantees and engaged partners will receive priority, and funds will be provided through reimbursement.
• Mini-Grant: Mini-Grants in amounts up to $2,500 are designed to fund direct service programs for children and families, and can include classes, enrichment opportunities, event sponsorship's, or other family strengthening connections.
  
• Event Sponsorship: Funding in amounts up to $1,000. Events can vary in purpose, activities, and resources, but must serve 0-to-5 year olds and their families in some capacity.

Be prepared to submit the following documents:

• Proposed Budget
• Organization or Individuals W9
• Proof of Insurance
• Letter of Support from employer (as applicable)

The Commission has the right to request other information not listed above as appropriate.

All funding requests should pertain to the 0-to-5 population and/or their families and align with the current Strategic Plan. To determine if your request aligns with the Commissions Strategic Plan, review the document in it's entirety while giving special attention to the strategic framework.

First 5 Butte grant funds are as reimbursements to funds spent. Funds are dispersed after invoices are submitted for reimbursement. Due to the nature of a reimbursement, the awarded agency will pay for the costs with their funds and receive funds from First 5 Butte once the proper documentation and receipts have been submitted to Commission staff. Once those documents have been reviewed and approved by staff, a check will be mailed to the partnering agency for the amount approved per the invoice.