Collaboration Challenge

The Collaboration Challenge fosters collaboration among Porter County organizations to address the critical period of prenatal to three years, enhancing outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families.

The Collaboration Challenge incentivizes organizations to work together, leveraging their expertise, resources, and diverse perspectives.

Grant Amount: Up to $50,000

Project Timeline: October 1, 2025 – October 15, 2026

Letter of Intent Due: April 15, 2025, No later than 12:00 pm CDT

Invitations to Submit Proposal: May 15, 2025

Collaborative Proposals Due: July 15, 2025

Awards: Camp Collaboration, August 19, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 2025 Collaboration Challenge Grant is now accepting Letters of Intent through April 15, 2025, 12:00 (noon) CDT.
    Upon review of submitted letters, chosen organizations will be invited to apply, no later than May 15, 2025.

  • Eligible applicants include Non-profit, community-based groups and educational institutions serving the PN—3 population and actively participating in Camp Collaboration 2025 may act as the lead organization for this opportunity.  Organizations serving the PN-3 population who are not non-profit, community-based groups or educational institutions are welcome to participate as collaborators for this opportunity.

  • Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to support collaborative projects focused on Porter County infants, toddlers, and their families.

  • The LOI must be submitted no later than April 15, 2025, by 12:00 pm (noon) CDT via email to MaryJane@FirstThingsPC.org.

  • The LOI should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, and include:

    • A summary of the project and alignment with First Things First’s mission

    • The issue being addressed and its significance

    • Key activities and innovative approaches

    • Credentials and roles of collaborating partners

    • A 35-word Description of Work

    • Signatures and contact information from representatives of all partner organizations

  • Confirmation of receipt will be sent via email within 24 hours of submission.

  • Selected organizations will be notified by May 15, 2025, and invited to submit a full proposal by July 15, 2025.

  • Yes, past recipients may apply. However, receiving a grant in one year does not guarantee or preclude funding in future years.

  • Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration, focus on PN—3 well-being, and use innovative strategies to strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, and families.

  • No. Funds must be used to support collaborative efforts and benefit all partner organizations involved in the project.

  • Yes, the lead organization and collaborating partners must serve the Porter County PN—3 population. All partners should describe the relevant expertise and resources that directly benefit the project’s target audience.

  • Yes, but grant funds will only be available starting October 1, 2025. Any costs incurred before this date cannot be reimbursed with grant funding.

  • Yes, funded projects must submit progress and final reports detailing activities, outcomes, and financial expenditures. Specific reporting deadlines and requirements will be provided with the invitation to submit a full proposal.

  • Unlike previous Challenge Grants, this year will not require any matching grants (either monetary or in-kind). If chosen to apply, you will receive a budget template to guide you.

  • While granting of funds is not solely based upon reach of impact (ie, the more families served, the higher a review score), it will be a consideration for our independent review panel. Do not let this deter you from applying if your program does not reach a large mass. We care more about innovative, collaborative ideas.

  • · Email questions to MaryJane@FirstThingsPC.org. Answers will be posted to the Collaboration Challenge webpage.