Four Rivers Family Early Learning and Parenting Hub Regional Funding Program

The Four Rivers Family Early Learning and Parenting Hub Regional Funding Opportunity is a community-focused grant program designed to support early childhood development initiatives across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties in Oregon. The Hub operates as part of a statewide network of early learning hubs and works in alignment with the broader Raise Up Oregon early learning system plan. Its mission centers on improving coordination of services, promoting equity, and ensuring that children and families have access to the resources needed for healthy development and school readiness. The Columbia Gorge Education Service District serves as the backbone agency supporting implementation and administration of this funding. This funding opportunity is supported through a combination of public and private investments, including contributions from the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and private philanthropic partners such as the Oregon Community Foundation. Approximately 36,000 dollars in total funding is available for distribution through this opportunity. These funds are part of a biennial allocation and are subject to federal and state funding restrictions, including compliance with federal funding guidelines. Funds are distributed through reimbursement-based subcontracts, requiring awardees to submit documentation and reports to receive payment. The primary purpose of this funding is to support programs serving children from prenatal stages through age six and their families, although a limited portion of funding may be used for youth up to age eighteen. Priority funding areas include parent education, family engagement, and early literacy for children from birth to age five. The program emphasizes innovative and collaborative approaches that strengthen early learning systems, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes for families. Additional consideration is given to programs that serve focal populations such as non-English-speaking families, racially and ethnically diverse communities, single-parent households, families receiving early intervention services, low-income households, infants and toddlers, and children not in their home of origin. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations capable of delivering programming within the specified counties. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet administrative and fiscal requirements, including insurance coverage, financial reporting, and compliance with reimbursement procedures. A minimum five percent match is required, which may be met through in-kind contributions or additional funding sources. Applicants are also expected to adhere to allowable cost guidelines, with restrictions on expenditures such as capital construction, lobbying, fundraising, and non-programmatic activities. The application process requires submission through an online portal and includes organizational information, program descriptions, budget documentation, and responses to narrative questions addressing community need, implementation capacity, equity considerations, and anticipated outcomes. Applicants must also complete a fiscal risk assessment and may be required to provide financial documentation. Evaluation is conducted by a review committee composed of governance board members, community representatives, and partners, with selection based on alignment with program goals, equity impact, collaboration, and cost effectiveness. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews before final decisions are made. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with its release on June 3, 2026, followed by an informational webinar on June 17, 2026. Applications are due by July 22, 2026 at 5 pm PST. Award notifications are expected on August 26, 2026, and funded programs will operate between October 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Recipients are required to submit quarterly reports and reimbursement requests throughout the grant period. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the program contact via email, and applicants are encouraged to engage early to clarify eligibility or submission requirements.

Align program with priority areas parent education family engagement and early literacy demonstrate service to focal populations and provide clear measurable outcomes and realistic budget