2026 Collaboration Challenge Grant is now accepting Letters of Intent through April 15, 2026, 12:00 (noon) CDT.
Upon review of submitted letters, chosen organizations will be invited to apply, no later than May 15, 2026.

Eligible applicants including non-profit, community-based groups and educational institutions serving the PN—3 population and actively participating in Camp Collaboration 2026 may act as the lead organization for this opportunity.  Organizations serving the PN-3 population who are not non-profit, community-based groups or educational institutions are welcome to participate as collaborators for this opportunity.

Grants of up to $125,000 will be awarded to support collaborative projects focused on Porter County infants, toddlers, and their families. We anticipate awarding 2-3 projects with funding of $75,000 - $125,000.

The LOI must be submitted no later than April 15, 2026, by 12:00 pm (noon) CDT using the PCCF Grant Portal.

The LOI should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, and include:

• A summary of the project and alignment with First Things First’s mission

• The issue being addressed and its significance

• Key activities and innovative approaches

• Credentials and roles of collaborating partners

• A 35-word Description of Work

• Signatures and contact information from representatives of all partner organizations

Use this formula to create a 35-word description: 

Organization + action + target population + key activity + intended outcome + location/community

This template is one suggestion:

[Organization] will [action/implement] a [program/project] for [target population] in [community] by [key activity or strategy], resulting in [specific benefit or outcome for children, families, or the PN–3 ecosystem].

Example: First Things First will expand relationship-based early language support for families with infants and toddlers in Porter County by training grandparents to embed talk, reading, and play in daily routines, strengthening early brain development and relationships.

Confirmation of receipt will be sent via email within 24 hours of submission.

Selected organizations will be notified by May 15, 2026, and invited to submit a full proposal by July 15, 2026.

Yes, past recipients may apply. However, receiving a grant in one year does not guarantee or preclude funding in future years.

Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration, focus on PN—3 well-being, and use innovative strategies to strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, and families.

No. Funds must be used to support collaborative efforts and benefit all partner organizations involved in the project.

Yes, the lead organization and collaborating partners must serve the Porter County PN—3 population. All partners should describe the relevant expertise and resources that directly benefit the project’s target audience.

Yes, but grant funds will only be available starting October 1, 2026. Any costs incurred before this date cannot be reimbursed with grant funding.

Yes, funded projects must submit progress and final reports detailing activities, outcomes, and financial expenditures. Specific reporting deadlines and requirements will be provided with the invitation to submit a full proposal.

Funding is disbursed in one payment at the beginning of the grant period (October 1, 2026). 

• Is it placed in a fund that all collaborators have access to? The grant is awarded to a lead organization that provides fiscal oversight of the grant and is responsible for maintaining all records, submitting reports, and participating in the ongoing learning community.  

• Is the funding spread equally between collaborators? That is determined by the partnership. 

• Is a budget document created and funding distributed according to the budget outline? A budget template is submitted as part of the full application. Any changes to the proposed budget need to be submitted in writing to First Things First. 

Yes!

That is determined by the partnership. Signatures from each partner are required to submit the letter of intent.

· Email questions to MaryJane@FirstThingsPC.org. Answers will be posted to the Collaboration Challenge webpage.