Sacramento, CA — In a bold shift toward equity and community power, the First 5 Sacramento Commission has approved $4,172,410 in funding for 35 community-based
organizations—all of which have never before received First 5 funding. The awards
were made through First 5 Sacramento’s Racial Equity funding pathway, marking a
transformative moment in how early childhood investments are designed, decided and
delivered.
This historic funding decision was led by First 5 Sacramento’s Equity in Action
Committee, a 15-member body composed of parents, caregivers and community
leaders who live in the neighborhoods where the grant funds will be delivered. Through
this committee, First 5 Sacramento pioneered a Participatory Grantmaking
Model—intentionally shifting decision-making power from institutions to the community
itself.
As a result, funding will reach organizations serving children and families in 27 high-
priority ZIP codes, supporting culturally responsive, community-driven programs that
address long-standing inequities in early childhood development.
“This bold new grantmaking process is rooted in trust—recognizing that community
members closest to the challenges often have the most effective solutions, yet are
rarely asked to lead,” said Phil Serna, Chair of First 5 Sacramento and County
Supervisor representing the First District. “By prioritizing equity, lived experience and
local expertise in funding decisions, and through the thoughtful leadership of the Equity
in Action Committee, First 5 Sacramento is reaching more families in the neighborhoods
where resources are needed most.”
This approach ensures that early childhood programs are not only effective—but rooted
in lived experience, cultural knowledge and community trust.
Learn more about the funded organizations and their programs, the Equity in Action
Committee and First 5 Sacramento’s participatory grantmaking model, visit the First 5
Sacramento website.