ECHO Fund Grants
The Early Childhood Opportunity (ECHO) Fund is an innovative grant program that seeks to increase access to high-quality early care and education for Louisiana children, birth through age four, by directly funding childcare programs and the nonprofits that serve them.
Since 2018, the Early Childhood Opportunity (ECHO) Fund has enhanced early childhood education by providing over 2,300 grants totaling more than $ 13 million. Our ongoing commitment is to increase access, foster ingenuity, and elevate the quality of early learning in the region.
Agenda for Children is excited to announce the launch of an exciting new grant opportunity, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD ANCILLARY CERTIFICATE (ECAC) ECHO FUND GRANT. See below grant parameters, timeline, and more.
Agenda for Children’s 2025 Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate (ECAC) Program Support ECHO Fund Grant provides $60,000 in funding for qualified New Orleans–based ECAC providers.
The grant supports programs that serve cohorts of 10 or more early childhood educators working toward Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certification. Funds may be used to strengthen program administration, cover technology expenses, provide participant stipends, and offer completion bonuses.
The goal of the ECAC Grant is to:
- Expand the pool of qualified early childhood educators in Orleans Parish,
- Improve teacher retention and credential attainment, and
- Build the capacity and quality of ECAC professional development programs that lead to entry-level credentials.
Eligible Programs
- Delgado Community College – ECAC Program
- Career Training Group
- Elite Teachers Institute
- C3 Lab School
Applicant Resources
Here is a PDF of the Application – for review purposes only.
Before you apply, gather:
📌 A detailed budget listing proposed expenditures totaling $60,000
📌 IRS Form W-9 Download, complete and upload with application (if first time applicant).
📌 Agenda’s Direct Deposit Form Download, complete and upload with application (if first time applicant).
🔐 Log in to create or update your Foundant account
Here’s a pdf of the full application for preview purposes only.
3 Step Streamlined grant process
1. Eligibility Quiz: Before you can apply for funding, please log in to the Foundant Grant Management System and answer a few questions to confirm that your organization is eligible. To be eligible for the 2025 ECAC PROGRAM SUPPORT ECHO FUND GRANT, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Application: Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants receive a notice that they have been granted access to the application. Applicants complete their application, agree to grant assurances, and provide a W-9 and Direct Deposit form.
3. Grant Reports: At mid-year and at the end of the grant cycle (typically 30-60 days) grantees will be required to submit a report where they document grant related expenditures and share the impact of the grant.
our grant management system.
Questions?
Contact the ECHO Grant Team at echofund@agendaforchildren.org. Support is available during our regularly scheduled hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).