SRF#: 240005: FY2024 Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant - Reopening

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is reopening a competitive grant procurement to award funding for Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) services in the towns of Arlington and Lexington, with applications due October 27, 2026.

The scope requires lead agencies to establish governance and staffing, serve as an information and referral hub, provide family education and support programming, assess community needs and measure program impact, and build community engagement through advisory councils serving children birth through age six and their families. Applicants must maintain a physical office in their service area, demonstrate relevant early childhood and family engagement experience, and implement EEC's new CFCE brand identity including participation in rebranding training. A mandatory family survey administered via QR code assessing program utilization and impact is required. Applicants must submit an intent to bid by September 29, 2026, to gain portal access, and written inquiries are due October 5, 2026, with responses estimated October 13. Narrative responses to five questions addressing organizational experience, service implementation, staff qualifications, family outreach strategies, and Local Advisory Council recruitment must not exceed 250 words per question and be double-spaced in 12-point font. Supporting documents include organizational charts, CFCE Coordinator job descriptions or resumes, a completed Local Advisory Council Form, and an activity calendar.

The total estimated funding for this reopened procurement is $41,886, distributed between Arlington ($23,089 maximum) and Lexington ($18,797 maximum). EEC expects to award up to two grants but reserves the right to award more or fewer if in the Commonwealth's interest. The grant period runs January 4, 2027, through June 30, 2028 (six months initial term) with one renewal option for an additional year. Budget guidelines establish ten categories including Personnel, Contractual Services, Supplies and Materials, Travel, Other Expenses, Fringe Benefits, Capacity Building, Equipment (Minor), and Indirect Costs capped at 10% of allowable categories. Applicants must be certified as compliant with the MBTA Communities Act and Massachusetts General Laws.