FIRST 5 Santa Clara County may participate in and/or sponsor community events either at the request of FIRST 5 staff or the agency/entity organizing the event. FIRST 5 promotes organizations that further the goals identified in the strategic plan and that address key issues concerning children prenatal through age 5 and their families, and support the Core Values and Principles on Equity adopted by the Commission. Preference to sponsorship requests will be given to non-profit/public benefit corporations that demonstrate community support and involvement, and organizations working for the benefit of a wide range of Commission stakeholders, in particular children prenatal through age 5 and their families in Santa Clara County.

Criteria for Participation

• The event must be inclusive of all or a subset of the following: pregnant women, children prenatal through age 5, and their families.
• The event must be consistent with one of FIRST 5’s two major strategies of Community Engagement and Education (universal) and/or High Risk (targeted).
• If applicable, the event must have a designated area for children’s activities that is separate from areas where alcohol may be served.

Limitations to Sponsorship

In general, FIRST 5 does not award funds to:

• Individuals
• Fraternal organizations, unless these organizations sponsor a specific program that is open to the entire community
• Fundraising events such as walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows that are designed to support on-going expenses in an organization (not including support for direct services for children)
• Organizations with religious affiliations unless the program seeks to address the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs
• Organizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public office or related to ballot measures
• Organizations located outside of Santa Clara County unless for a specific program benefiting residents of - and conducted within - FIRST 5's jurisdiction

Review Process

Organizations must submit a completed Community Events and Sponsorships Application request form electronically or by mail to the Community Program Director. FIRST 5’s Community Program Director and Community Engagement Manager will review all requests for FIRST 5 to participate in Community Sponsored Events and Activities. Recommendations to support the request will be referred to the Executive Director for final decision and determination of the sponsorship amount. The maximum amount that may be allocated for an event is $5,000. The decision to sponsor an event and/or award financial assistance will be primarily based on the benefits the event will bring to FIRST 5 and the children and families it serves. Applicants will be notified by mail as to the status of their request.

Sponsorship Application Form

Please forward your completed Sponsorship Application with any relevant documentation (additional documentation shall not exceed two pages) to:

Community Events & Sponsorship Request Attn: Dawn Bussey, Communications Director 4000 Moorpark Ave., Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95117 408-260-3700