This special edition of the Monday Morning Report introduces readers to the policy and advocacy focus of our newest grant opportunity, Cycle 3 of the Community Opportunities Fund (COF). We cover why policy and advocacy is an increasingly important component in grant making and how we are engaging the children and families community to come together and speak out for policy change.

Many L.A. County children and families organizations have thought about ways to change policies but do not have sufficient capacity to do so. If your organization is experiencing a policy barrier, but needs additional capacity to address it, I encourage you to apply for COF policy and advocacy funding. First 5 LA is hoping to partner with a diverse range of organizations to engage in policy and advocacy efforts. By working together we will be able to achieve the structural reforms needed for young children to receive optimal support to be healthy, safe and ready to learn.

To learn more about the fund, application requirements and to speak with the key staff involved you can attend a proposal workshop at First 5 LA. The workshop will be held Monday, August 17 from 10:30am - 3:30pm. First 5 LA's address is 750 N. Alameda Avenue, Los Angeles 90012. You can also click here to go to our Web site or call William Rowel, program officer at (213) 482-7530. Please note that proposals are due no later than 5:00pm on September 11.