About DECAL’s 2Gen Community Grants: The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has two funding opportunities available for communities across Georgia to apply for. They are identified as follows:
Implementation 2Gen Community Grants (you're currently on the application page for this grant)
Planning 2Gen Community Grants (https://decal.smapply.us/prog/2GenCommunityGrants_Planning)
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is committed to investing in local partnerships and innovative solutions that improve outcomes for children from birth to age 8 and their families across Georgia. Through this funding opportunity, communities may apply for either a Planning Grant or an Implementation Grant to address locally identified needs and strengthen early childhood systems. Through these investments, DECAL seeks to support communities in building strong partnerships, creating opportunities for families to thrive, and developing sustainable systems that improve outcomes for Georgia's children and families. The 2Gen Community Grants are reimbursable grants.
This is the application for the Implementation Grant. If you are interested in applying for a Planning Grant, that application can be found through the link here . To read the full 2Gen Community Grant Guidelines, you can visit the DECAL website here.
Eligible Applicants:
501(c)(3) Non-profit organizations, school systems, and government entities
Must be in good standing with DECAL Programs
Planning Grants (12 months)
Planning Grants support communities that are in the early stages of developing partnerships, assessing community needs, engaging families, and designing strategies to improve outcomes for children and families. Funding may be used to conduct community assessments, facilitate stakeholder engagement, develop action plans, establish partnerships, and prepare for future implementation efforts.
Applicants may propose projects focused on one or more focus areas, including early childhood access, family well-being, family literacy, student parent success, family economic mobility, early childhood workforce, rural community solutions, or other community-identified needs.
All funded projects must utilize a Two-Generation (2Gen) approach that intentionally supports the needs of children and the adults in their lives simultaneously. Successful applicants will demonstrate how their proposed strategies strengthen family well-being by addressing the interconnected needs of parents/caregivers and children together. Projects should align with core 2Gen principles, including family-centered design, cross-sector collaboration, family voice and leadership, and a commitment to improving outcomes for both generations. To learn more about 2Gen principles, you can visit Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s website here: https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/2gen-approach/guiding-principles/
All 2Gen Community Grant recipients are required to participate in DECAL-provided training on The Basics during the grant period and incorporate this training into the work of their project(s). Prior participation with The Basics is not required for the application and will not be necessary to receive a 2Gen Community Grant. More information on the role of The Basics in the grants will be covered during the webinar on October 8 (link here). You can learn more about The Basics here: https://thebasics.org/
Grant Selection Process
DECAL will review eligible applications using the criteria and requirements outlined in the funding opportunity. The grant selection process will include an initial application review by a team at DECAL followed by a virtual interview for selected finalists. Following the interviews, DECAL will complete the final selection process based on the application, interview, available funding, and other applicable grant requirements. An invitation to participate in a virtual interview does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.
2027-2029 Community Impact Grants Award Timeline:
October 2, 2026 - Application opens for Implementation Grants
October 8, 2026 - Community Impact Funding Opportunities Webinar, register here
November 2, 2026 - Applications due by 5:00 p.m.
November 2026 - January 2027 - Application review and awards
March 2027 - Awards announced
April 2027 - Grantee orientation
July 1, 2027 - Implementation 2Gen Community Grant cycle begins
June 30, 2029 - Implementation 2Gen Community Grant cycle ends
Applications must meet the following guidelines to be reviewed:
Applications must be submitted using SurveyMonkey Apply
If you do not have a SurveyMonkey Apply account already, you will be prompted to register for one. Once you have a SurveyMonkey Apply account and are in the application, please click on "Instructions" for more information. The application must be completed entirely and accurately.
Applications must be completed in FULL
Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2026, no later than 5:00 p.m.
Be sure to respond to all prompts and questions on the application, following the maximum word guidelines where applicable.
Funding Awards by Type of Grant:
There will be two rounds of Planning Grants:
- Year 1 (Round 1): DECAL will award grants up to $50,000 each for a term of 12 months (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028)
- Year 2 (Round 2): DECAL will award grants up to $50,000 each for a term of 12 months (July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2029)
There will be one round of Implementation Grants
- DECAL will award grants up to $125,000 each for a term of 24 months (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029)
- Year 1: $75,000
- Year 2: $50,000
DECAL’s Total Investment for the Community Impact Grants will be up to $1,500,000.
Permissible and Prohibited Use of Funds
DECAL will review each grantee’s proposed budget as part of the contract negotiation process prior to each grant term. Approved and prohibited uses of funds will be clearly identified before the grant award period begins. The following examples are intended to provide guidance to applicants and grantees; they are not exhaustive. All expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, directly related to the approved project, and included in the approved budget and Scope of Work. DECAL reserves the right to determine whether an expense is allowable.
Category | Examples |
Administrative | Reasonable and necessary administrative costs directly related to the grant are allowable, including background checks, required licenses/fees, etc. |
| The Basics | Grant funds may be used for reasonable expenses that directly support the implementation of The Basics, such as texting subscriptions, parent/caregiver workshop materials, printing and educational resources, and family engagement supplies. |
Contracted Services | Expenses paid to external contractors, such as project managers, trainers, speakers, evaluators, or other providers of documented services directly related to the approved project. |
Educational Expenses for Student Parents | Fees, materials, and/or supplies for parents enrolled in higher education. Other available financial aid, grants, scholarships, and institutional assistance must be pursued first. Grant funds may only be used for eligible expenses that remain unmet and may not duplicate assistance from another funding source. |
Family Assistance for Child Care | Child care provided by a licensed child care program to support parent participation in grant-funded events, meetings, trainings, or other approved project activities. Payment must be made directly to the licensed child care program. |
Food | Food may be allowable when it is an integral component of a grant-funded training, workshop, or educational activity, such as a demonstration. |
Fringe Benefits | Non-salary benefits for staff directly associated with grant-funded salaries. |
Marketing/Outreach | Reasonable printing, advertising, promotional, and outreach expenses directly related to the approved project |
Materials/Supplies | Reasonable and necessary materials and supplies directly related to the approved project. |
Rental Space | Expenses for meeting, training, or office space directly related to the approved project |
Stipends/Incentives | May be used to recognize and support meaningful engagement by parents, participants, or community partners. Allowable incentives may include books, educational materials, learning resources, or other items that directly support the goals of the approved project. Stipends and incentives may not exceed 1% of the total grant award. |
Technology | Technology and software may be purchased when directly supporting grant-approved activities, including virtual training, parent education, family engagement, provider activities, or designated parent resource areas. |
Training/Professional Development | Expenses for registration fees, materials, certifications, and reasonable travel costs directly related to the approved project. |
| Transportation/Travel | Reasonable transportation/travel expenses directly related to participation in grant-funded activities, including mileage, parking, or other approved transportation costs. |
| Wages/Salary | Salaries must be proportional to the employee's time spent on grant activities and supported by appropriate documentation/timekeeping. Limited to 33% of the grant award amount |
Expenditures of CIG funds for the following items are prohibited:
Food and meals, except when specifically allowable for demonstration purposes as described above.
Staff salaries for work unrelated to the approved CTG project.
Regular or ongoing child care expenses, including regular child care tuition for parents or families.
Child care payments made directly to parents or caregivers.
Capital improvements, construction, or major renovations to buildings or facilities.
Purchase or lease of vehicles.
Gift cards or cash payments provided solely for attendance or participation.
Stipends and incentives exceeding 1% of the total grant award.
Routine transportation or commuting expenses unrelated to a specific grant-funded activity.
Technology purchased for personal use by staff, families, or individuals or for activities unrelated to the approved project.
Office equipment and technology that are not necessary to perform the approved CTG activities are prohibited. Equipment that is necessary to perform approved CTG activities may require prior written approval from DECAL.
Expenses that are reimbursed or paid by another funding source.
Expenses incurred outside the approved grant period or not included in the approved budget or Scope of Work.
Questions may be submitted to communityimpactgrants@decal.ga.gov until 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026. When submitting your question(s), please include the type of Community Impact Grant you are inquiring about.
If you have difficulty with Survey Monkey Apply or technical issues with the application, please contact DECAL's Research team at research@decal.ga.gov.
2027 - 2029 2Gen Community Grants; Implementation Grant Application
About DECAL’s 2Gen Community Grants: The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has two funding opportunities available for communities across Georgia to apply for. They are identified as follows:
Implementation 2Gen Community Grants (you're currently on the application page for this grant)
Planning 2Gen Community Grants (https://decal.smapply.us/prog/2GenCommunityGrants_Planning)
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is committed to investing in local partnerships and innovative solutions that improve outcomes for children from birth to age 8 and their families across Georgia. Through this funding opportunity, communities may apply for either a Planning Grant or an Implementation Grant to address locally identified needs and strengthen early childhood systems. Through these investments, DECAL seeks to support communities in building strong partnerships, creating opportunities for families to thrive, and developing sustainable systems that improve outcomes for Georgia's children and families. The 2Gen Community Grants are reimbursable grants.
This is the application for the Implementation Grant. If you are interested in applying for a Planning Grant, that application can be found through the link here . To read the full 2Gen Community Grant Guidelines, you can visit the DECAL website here.
Eligible Applicants:
501(c)(3) Non-profit organizations, school systems, and government entities
Must be in good standing with DECAL Programs
Planning Grants (12 months)
Planning Grants support communities that are in the early stages of developing partnerships, assessing community needs, engaging families, and designing strategies to improve outcomes for children and families. Funding may be used to conduct community assessments, facilitate stakeholder engagement, develop action plans, establish partnerships, and prepare for future implementation efforts.
Applicants may propose projects focused on one or more focus areas, including early childhood access, family well-being, family literacy, student parent success, family economic mobility, early childhood workforce, rural community solutions, or other community-identified needs.
All funded projects must utilize a Two-Generation (2Gen) approach that intentionally supports the needs of children and the adults in their lives simultaneously. Successful applicants will demonstrate how their proposed strategies strengthen family well-being by addressing the interconnected needs of parents/caregivers and children together. Projects should align with core 2Gen principles, including family-centered design, cross-sector collaboration, family voice and leadership, and a commitment to improving outcomes for both generations. To learn more about 2Gen principles, you can visit Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s website here: https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/2gen-approach/guiding-principles/
All 2Gen Community Grant recipients are required to participate in DECAL-provided training on The Basics during the grant period and incorporate this training into the work of their project(s). Prior participation with The Basics is not required for the application and will not be necessary to receive a 2Gen Community Grant. More information on the role of The Basics in the grants will be covered during the webinar on October 8 (link here). You can learn more about The Basics here: https://thebasics.org/
Grant Selection Process
DECAL will review eligible applications using the criteria and requirements outlined in the funding opportunity. The grant selection process will include an initial application review by a team at DECAL followed by a virtual interview for selected finalists. Following the interviews, DECAL will complete the final selection process based on the application, interview, available funding, and other applicable grant requirements. An invitation to participate in a virtual interview does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.
2027-2029 Community Impact Grants Award Timeline:
October 2, 2026 - Application opens for Implementation Grants
October 8, 2026 - Community Impact Funding Opportunities Webinar, register here
November 2, 2026 - Applications due by 5:00 p.m.
November 2026 - January 2027 - Application review and awards
March 2027 - Awards announced
April 2027 - Grantee orientation
July 1, 2027 - Implementation 2Gen Community Grant cycle begins
June 30, 2029 - Implementation 2Gen Community Grant cycle ends
Applications must meet the following guidelines to be reviewed:
Applications must be submitted using SurveyMonkey Apply
If you do not have a SurveyMonkey Apply account already, you will be prompted to register for one. Once you have a SurveyMonkey Apply account and are in the application, please click on "Instructions" for more information. The application must be completed entirely and accurately.
Applications must be completed in FULL
Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2026, no later than 5:00 p.m.
Be sure to respond to all prompts and questions on the application, following the maximum word guidelines where applicable.
Funding Awards by Type of Grant:
There will be two rounds of Planning Grants:
- Year 1 (Round 1): DECAL will award grants up to $50,000 each for a term of 12 months (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028)
- Year 2 (Round 2): DECAL will award grants up to $50,000 each for a term of 12 months (July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2029)
There will be one round of Implementation Grants
- DECAL will award grants up to $125,000 each for a term of 24 months (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029)
- Year 1: $75,000
- Year 2: $50,000
DECAL’s Total Investment for the Community Impact Grants will be up to $1,500,000.
Permissible and Prohibited Use of Funds
DECAL will review each grantee’s proposed budget as part of the contract negotiation process prior to each grant term. Approved and prohibited uses of funds will be clearly identified before the grant award period begins. The following examples are intended to provide guidance to applicants and grantees; they are not exhaustive. All expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, directly related to the approved project, and included in the approved budget and Scope of Work. DECAL reserves the right to determine whether an expense is allowable.
Category | Examples |
Administrative | Reasonable and necessary administrative costs directly related to the grant are allowable, including background checks, required licenses/fees, etc. |
| The Basics | Grant funds may be used for reasonable expenses that directly support the implementation of The Basics, such as texting subscriptions, parent/caregiver workshop materials, printing and educational resources, and family engagement supplies. |
Contracted Services | Expenses paid to external contractors, such as project managers, trainers, speakers, evaluators, or other providers of documented services directly related to the approved project. |
Educational Expenses for Student Parents | Fees, materials, and/or supplies for parents enrolled in higher education. Other available financial aid, grants, scholarships, and institutional assistance must be pursued first. Grant funds may only be used for eligible expenses that remain unmet and may not duplicate assistance from another funding source. |
Family Assistance for Child Care | Child care provided by a licensed child care program to support parent participation in grant-funded events, meetings, trainings, or other approved project activities. Payment must be made directly to the licensed child care program. |
Food | Food may be allowable when it is an integral component of a grant-funded training, workshop, or educational activity, such as a demonstration. |
Fringe Benefits | Non-salary benefits for staff directly associated with grant-funded salaries. |
Marketing/Outreach | Reasonable printing, advertising, promotional, and outreach expenses directly related to the approved project |
Materials/Supplies | Reasonable and necessary materials and supplies directly related to the approved project. |
Rental Space | Expenses for meeting, training, or office space directly related to the approved project |
Stipends/Incentives | May be used to recognize and support meaningful engagement by parents, participants, or community partners. Allowable incentives may include books, educational materials, learning resources, or other items that directly support the goals of the approved project. Stipends and incentives may not exceed 1% of the total grant award. |
Technology | Technology and software may be purchased when directly supporting grant-approved activities, including virtual training, parent education, family engagement, provider activities, or designated parent resource areas. |
Training/Professional Development | Expenses for registration fees, materials, certifications, and reasonable travel costs directly related to the approved project. |
| Transportation/Travel | Reasonable transportation/travel expenses directly related to participation in grant-funded activities, including mileage, parking, or other approved transportation costs. |
| Wages/Salary | Salaries must be proportional to the employee's time spent on grant activities and supported by appropriate documentation/timekeeping. Limited to 33% of the grant award amount |
Expenditures of CIG funds for the following items are prohibited:
Food and meals, except when specifically allowable for demonstration purposes as described above.
Staff salaries for work unrelated to the approved CTG project.
Regular or ongoing child care expenses, including regular child care tuition for parents or families.
Child care payments made directly to parents or caregivers.
Capital improvements, construction, or major renovations to buildings or facilities.
Purchase or lease of vehicles.
Gift cards or cash payments provided solely for attendance or participation.
Stipends and incentives exceeding 1% of the total grant award.
Routine transportation or commuting expenses unrelated to a specific grant-funded activity.
Technology purchased for personal use by staff, families, or individuals or for activities unrelated to the approved project.
Office equipment and technology that are not necessary to perform the approved CTG activities are prohibited. Equipment that is necessary to perform approved CTG activities may require prior written approval from DECAL.
Expenses that are reimbursed or paid by another funding source.
Expenses incurred outside the approved grant period or not included in the approved budget or Scope of Work.
Questions may be submitted to communityimpactgrants@decal.ga.gov until 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026. When submitting your question(s), please include the type of Community Impact Grant you are inquiring about.
If you have difficulty with Survey Monkey Apply or technical issues with the application, please contact DECAL's Research team at research@decal.ga.gov.