A new effort from First 5 Sacramento is changing the grant process. For the first time, a committee of local residents is deciding where $4.2 million in funding will 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 are putting 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 are helping 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 will help ensure that the decisions made are well-informed, culturally responsive and reflective of the community's strengths and needs.
The Committee designed the application process and decided what the money can be used for. Find out more about the Equity in Action Committee and their meetings.
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 can:
- Share power with the community
- Elevate voices that are often left out
- Build equity, trust and fairness
- Fund the programs that matter most to families
- Ensure 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 or how to apply?
Please email first5sac@saccounty.gov or call (916) 876-5875
