No-Cost Early Head Start. Enroll Now
Contact Us
Donate

Northeast Valley (NEV) Best Start Community Event Sponsorship – Application

LAEP’s Northeast Valley (NEV) Best Start Community receives funds from First 5 LA to sponsor community events that support, inform, and strengthen parents and caregivers of children 0-5 in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Community-based organizations may submit their events for sponsorship consideration (up to $5K) using the below form. Thank you for joining us in committing to the well-being of the whole family!

Questions? Email smariscal@laep.org.

Eligibility Requirements*

For an applicant to be eligible for Community Sponsorship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in good standing with First 5 LA.
  • Be a legal nonprofit 501(c)(3).
  • Follow the application process outlined below.

Events must also meet the following criteria:

  • Be related to First 5 LA’s goal to ensure that every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.
  • Be located within the boundaries or serve members within the Best Start community in Region 3. To learn more about the Best Start community boundaries, visit:
    https://www.first5la.org/best-start-networks/
  • Be aligned with the Best Start Community Partnerships goals, priorities, and/or action plan.
  • Provide networking and community engagement opportunities for Best StartCommunity Partnership members.

Conferences, seminars and events that are not eligible
for funding include:

  • Activities that have a religious or political focus.
  • Events that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, citizenship, or disability.
  • Any activities where a fee or donation is requested/suggested for admission to sponsored event of awardee organization.
  • Conferences that do not support First 5 LA’s mission and/or Best Start Partnership goals.

For more information, see First 5 LA’s Funding Guidelines, found in the Funding Center of the first5la.org website.

*First 5 LA. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP RESOURCES FY 21-22

Funding Amount

Applicants may apply once within NEV Best Start’s remaining Fiscal year. Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 (between March 2022 to June 2023).

Maximum total awarded depends on amounts requested before end of the fiscal year. Guidelines for maximum funding amounts may differ with each Best Start community. Amount can be divided into several events in the fiscal year and can be shifted due to LA County Covid-19 Guidelines.

If awarded funds, the applicant agrees to provide the Best Start Community and LAEP with the following assets:

  1. Prominent display of the Best Start Community and LAEP logo on all event materials such as brochures, programs, websites, advertising, and other promotional material, as appropriate. Please contact local network Program Manager at smariscal@laep.org for materials.
  2. A brief written follow-up report provided to the NEV Community or designated body as determined by the Best Start Community Partnership after the event. The report should include the number of attendees, notable outcomes, and overall event success. Note: The Best Start Community Partnership reviewing your application may require additional in person reporting responsibilities in accordance with their program requirements.

Application Process and Continued Commitment

Step 1: Applicant must complete a “Community Sponsorship” application by requesting it from Local Network Manager.

The Local Network Manager will review and ensure the request aligns with First 5 LA and the Best Start Community goals.

Step 2: Once the application is submitted to LAEP, it will be presented at a proposed Community Meeting so that Community Members can vote. Applying agencies will be invited to present their event at the Community Meeting. Community members in
attendance will be allowed to cast a paper/virtual ballot indicating their yes or no of the sponsorship.

Needed documents to present: Budget Outline, Draft/Mock Flyer or previous flyer, and proposed Date(s) and Time(s) of event.

Step 3: Once a decision has been made, Local Network Manager will send an email letter to the applicant with the Best Start Communities’ decision and an approximate timeline of when the sponsorship will be received.

Awarded Community Organizations will be required to continue to participate in theCommunity Engagement Meetings and give reports to the community as requested.

Other Considerations

Final Funding Authority

LAEP has final funding authority. All actions taken by Best Start Community Partnership and subgroups regarding sponsorships are considered funding recommendations to LAEP.

Conflicts of Interest

If the applicant or a representative from the applying organization is also a member of the voting committee that person must recuse themselves during deliberation and voting on the application. It is suggested that the member not be physically present during these activities.

Application Form

LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.