FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2-16-09 1045 A.M.

Grants Available for Projects Benefiting Children

First 5 Contra Costa is offering Family-Friendly Community Grants up to $10,000 for local community improvement, health, and literacy projects that benefit children five and younger. Funds support neighborhood clean-ups, new or improved playgrounds, parent education and training, health fairs, and projects that promote healthy nutrition and improved physical activity for young children.

Family-Friendly Community Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, small community groups, city agencies, public adult schools, and public libraries. A total of $200,000 is available.

Applicants must attend a mandatory Information Workshop in order to apply: February 26, 2009: 6:30 PM First 5 Contra Costa 1485 Enea Court, Suite 1200, Concord; March 12, 2009: 6:30 PM Church of Christ, 1020 East Tregallas Road, Antioch; March 18, 2009: 6:30 PM West County First 5 Center, 2707 Dover Avenue, San Pablo. Make-Up Sessions March 31, 2009: 1:00 p.m. April 2, 2009: 10:00 a.m. First 5 Contra Costa 1485 Enea Court, Suite 1200, Concord.

Spanish translation and child care will be offered at all workshops. Please RSVP for workshops: (925) 771-7311. Visit www.firstfivecc.org to download an application or call (925) 771-7311. ------------------------------------------

About First 5 Contra Costa

First 5 Contra Costa makes a difference in the lives of children from the prenatal stage through age 5 — when a child’s brain development is so critical, and the most important time to establish healthy relationships with parents and caregivers. For nearly a decade, First 5 Contra Costa has used tobacco tax funds to help children from the prenatal stage to age five grow up healthy, learning, and supported in safe, nurturing families and communities. Last year, First 5 Contra Costa invested $10 million to help our county’s children get the best possible start.

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