Equity in Action Community Funding Initiative 2025-2027

A new effort from First 5 Sacramento is changing the grant process. For the first time, a committee of local residents decided where $4.2 million in funding would go among programs located in historically underfunded communities. 

At First 5 Sacramento, we believe that every child deserves a strong start in life. That is why we putt power in the hands of our community members – people who know community strengths and needs.

 

About The Equity in Action Committee ​

Members with lived experience and local expertise helped decide how $4.2 million dollars should be spent supporting children ages 0-5 in the communities that need it most. 

This Participatory Grantmaking Process helped ensure that the decisions made were well-informed, culturally responsive and reflective of the community's strengths and needs. 

The Committee designed the application process and decided what the money could be used for. They then used a consensus decision-making process to allocate the funds, including 12 large two-year grants and 23 small one-time grants.

 

More About First 5 Sacramento's Equity in Action Initiative

First 5 Sacramento's steadfast commitment to creating a better future means ensuring ALL children have equitable access to critical services. 

To better support Sacramento's diverse, multicultural communities the Commission put Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) and Cultural Responsiveness (CR) as the centerpiece to our work.  

We believe this approach is vital to achieving our vision that Sacramento County will have strong communities where children are safe, healthy and reach their full potential.​​

 

How Equity in Action is Changing the Game

First 5 Sacramento is leading the way with a new, community-driven approach called participatory grantmaking.

This is a community-focused funding process that shifts away from traditional funding models by inviting local residents, particularly those from historically underfunded communities, to the table to help decide where resources should go for children. 

This process prioritizes equity, lived experiences, and local expertise in the decision-making of where grant funds will go.

With this new approach, the Equity in Action Committee:

  • Shared power with the community
  • Elevated voices that are often left out
  • Built equity, trust and fairness
  • Funded the programs that matter most to families
  • Ensured all Sacramento children and families are supported

 

Building a Better Future​

This process isn't just about distributing funds—it's about changing the system to create a more equitable and sustainable future for under-resourced organizations that help ALL children and families thrive.

Questions about Equity in Action?

Please email first5sac​@saccounty.gov ​ or call (916) 876-5875

 

​Contact​ Information 

Lindsay Dunckel , First 5 Early Care & Racial Equity Manager
Phone: (916) 876-6683