Funding Opportunities

Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Community Early Relational Health Hubs

First 5 Sonoma County is seeking qualified organizations to help create and implement Community Early Relational Health Hubs that support children from the prenatal stage through age five and their caregivers. These place-based hubs will bring together health care, family support services, early childhood resources, and community-based supports in trusted locations where families already live, work, and play.

Through this RFQ, First 5 Sonoma County will:

  • Select qualified Lead Agencies to participate in an Intent to Negotiate process for Community Early Relational Health Hub contracts.
  • Establish a Pre-Qualified Service Provider Pool for organizations interested in potential subcontracting opportunities with selected Lead Agencies.

Community Early Relational Health Hubs are designed to provide coordinated, family-centered care that improves access to services, strengthens collaboration across systems, and supports the health, well-being, and secure attachment of young children and their caregivers. Services may include developmental screenings, mental health supports, lactation services, caregiver support groups, playgroups, parent education, basic needs support, case management, and warm referrals.

Priority will be given to hubs serving rural, geographically isolated, and under-resourced communities throughout Sonoma County. Organizations may apply as a Lead Agency, Service Provider, or both.

Key Dates: 

  • June 9, 2026 – RFQ Released

  • June 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM – Pre-Proposal Webinar 

  • June 18, 2026, by 5:00 PM: Questions about the RFQ Due

  • June 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM -Responses to questions posted on the First 5 Sonoma County website
  • June 29, 2026, by 5:00 PM – Mandatory Letter of Intent Due

  • July 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM – Qualifications Due 

Organizations may apply as a Lead Agency, Service Provider, or both.

Please note: The Letter of Intent and Request for Qualifications is not a request for a full proposal for the Community Early Relational Health Hub. This is a Request for Qualifications to determine the pool of Lead Agencies and Service Provider Agencies. Selected agencies through this process will then be invited to complete comprehensive collaborative proposals to be negotiated with First 5 Sonoma County through an Intent to Partner Process.

For complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and timeline details, please review the full RFQ.

Important Supporting Documents:

Sonoma County Child Care Facilities Fund

First 5 Sonoma County is offering funding through Measure I to eligible Family Child Care Homes and child care centers to support facility improvements that strengthen early learning environments. This grant program helps address critical health and safety repairs, improve physical spaces, expand licensed capacity, and resolve facility-related barriers that affect program quality and sustainability for children ages 0–5.

Grant Awards

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 1, 2026. Eligible applicants may request grants of up to $50,000.

Eligibility Requirements

Programs must:

  • Be located in Sonoma County
  • Hold a valid child care license in good standing with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, or be license-exempt with proof of active status and commitment to quality
  • Serve or plan to serve children birth through age five (5)
  • Provide proof of site control for the facility for the three-year grant term (e.g., lease or deed)
  • Demonstrate financial and organizational stability for the grant term (financial coaching may be required based on assessment)
  • Show that grant funds are necessary for project completion and that all additional project funding has been identified

Learn More

Informational Webinars:

Please review the full guidelines and webinar materials before applying to ensure eligibility and readiness.