Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregiver Funding Opportunities

Hello! We’re First 5 Alameda County.

First 5 Alameda County is here to help caregivers and families with young children. First 5 is a public agency that helps make sure kids are healthy and ready for school. We’re called “First 5” because the first five years of a child’s life are very important for growing and learning.

If you provide care for a family member, friend, or neighbor in Alameda County, you may be eligible for funding and resources from First 5. 

We’re here to help. Explore this page to find resources for you and the children and families you support.

First 5 Resources

We’re proud to use Measure C tax funds to support hardworking child care providers like you. 

AlamedaKIDS.org: A one-stop shop for resources to support families and children, the Alameda Kids website has the information you need about child care and development.

Alameda Kids – Help Me Grow: Help Me Grow is a no-cost information and referral helpline for the babies you love. Help Me Grow can answer all the questions parents and caregivers have about kids ages birth to 5. Call 1-888-510-1211.

First 5 Provider Newsletter Signup: Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on events, resources, and future funding opportunities.

Fathers Corps: A First 5 program that advocates for father-friendly services to strengthen fathers’ parenting skills and help them engage with their families. 

Trainings at First 5 Alameda County: You can attend free trainings, online or in person. We offer training in early education, family support, child development, business topics, and more.

Other Community Supports

Take advantage of these programs and resources across Alameda County.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network: IECMHC delivers mental health consultation services, resources, and training activities for family child care providers, and family, friend and neighbor caregivers.

Oakland Literacy Coalition: OLC helps families encourage reading at home. They give thousands of books to Oakland youth each year.

Parent Voices Oakland: Through community organizing and parent education and leadership development, PVO elevates the visibility of low-wage workers who cannot afford the full cost of childcare.

Funding Opportunities

Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers who receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency may be eligible for a $4,000 grant to help. Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers for children 5 years old or younger may also be eligible for health, safety, and educational materials (such as car seats, baby gates, and toys).

What funding is available?

A $4,000 grant for all eligible Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers from First 5 Alameda County, funded through Measure C.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who cares for a family member, friend, or neighbor and: 

Receives a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency and are caring for or have cared for a child 12 years old or younger at any time since April 1st, 2025.

How do I get the money?

You are automatically eligible for a $4,000 grant from First 5 if you are a Family, Friend, Neighbor (FFN) caregiver who receives a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency and are caring for a child 12 years old or younger. (You can still get the grant if you cared for a child 12 years old or younger at any time since April 1st, 2025, but you don’t anymore.)

You do not need to apply for funding. Beginning in November, you will get a letter and an email with a link to a short form to fill out. 

To get the grant, you must complete the form confirming you would like to receive or decline the payment, agree to the grant requirements, and confirm that you understand you may need to pay taxes on the grant money.

If you think you should have received a letter/email and you haven’t, reach out to the agency you work with to receive payments, or contact our helpdesk.

 

Phone: 510.227.6964

Email: ECEgrants@first5alameda.org

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9am to 5pm.

What is an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency?

An Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency is an organization that helps families afford child care by administering subsidized child care programs. These agencies process payments to child care providers on behalf of eligible low-income families, ensuring that children receive quality care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training programs. 

The agency that pays you for providing subsidized child care will process your grant payment. You will receive a direct deposit if that’s how you are currently paid. Otherwise, you’ll receive a check in the mail. 

There are four payment agencies in Alameda County:  

Who are Family Friend and Neighbor caregivers?

A Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregiver is someone who offers child care for a family member, friend, or neighbor at home. This type of child care is license-exempt. FFN caregivers are often relatives, close friends, or neighbors, trusted community members who care for children outside of formal settings like centers or preschools. 

In California, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers can legally provide child care without a state license under certain conditions: 

Why is this funding available?

Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are very important to our community. Without child care, people can’t work. Many families rely on people like aunties, cousins, or trusted neighbors to care for their children so they can support their families. First 5 Alameda County exists to ensure that every child —regardless of race or family income—gets a strong start in life. People who provide child care in their own communities are an extremely important part of that vision. These resources will help caregivers better care for children in our community.  


The money for this grant and resources is coming from voter-approved tax dollars. It’s because of a law called Measure C, which is a local sales tax in Alameda County that invests in early educators, young children and their families. Because of the Measure C law, everyone in Alameda County pays a 0.5% sales tax when they buy something. This tax money is set aside to support kids and families. First 5 partners with Payment Agencies to help share this money with the community. These FFN grants are one example of how Measure C is helping improve care and stability for children and the caregivers who support them.

Will this funding affect my taxes?

The $4,000 payment is considered taxable income. That means:  

  • Taxes are not taken out for you. You are responsible for paying any taxes that apply. 

Some public benefits may be affected. This income could affect your eligibility for certain programs like CalWORKs, Supplemental Security Income, CalFresh/SNAP, and/or Medi-Cal/Medicaid. 

Where to get help: 

How can I learn more?

If you have questions or are wondering if you’re eligible, you can contact your Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency or reach out to First 5 Alameda County’s Grants Helpdesk.

Phone: 510.227.6964

Email: ECEgrants@first5alameda.org

Hours: We are available Monday – Friday from 9am to 5pm.