Funding Opportunities
Spring Regional Funding Opportunity
Four Rivers Family Early Learning & Parenting Hub is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Regional Funding Opportunity (RFO), investing approximately $36,000 into programs that support young children and families across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties.
Funding is available for community-based programs and projects serving children prenatal through age 6 and their families. However, a small portion of funds available can be used for programming serving youth up to age 18 years old. The Hub is seeking innovative, collaborative efforts that strengthen early learning systems, reduce inequities, and improve outcomes for families throughout the region.
Priority funding areas include:
Parent Education
Family Engagement
Birth to 5 Early Literacy
Additional consideration will be given to programs that serve focal populations identified by the community, including:
Families speaking a language other than English
Families who identify as Indigenous, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern/Northern African, Asian, Hispanic or Latino/a, or Black or African American
Single parent families
Families receiving Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education services
Families living in households with income under the 200% FPL
Infants and Toddlers
Not in home of origin (expanded from foster care)
The funding opportunity is supported through investments from the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), and private partners including Oregon Community Foundation.
Programs selected for funding will operate between October 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Funding is distributed through reimbursement-based subcontracts, though organizations needing additional support are encouraged to apply and discuss accommodations.
Questions: Send to SSkybinskyy@cgesd.k12.or.us with “Question: Spring 2026 RFO” in the subject line.
UPDATED 6.9.26
Join our upcoming RFO informational webinar to learn more about eligibility, funding, and how to apply!
June 17th @10am via Zoom.
Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub Announces Arlington and Mid Valley as Winners of Rural Academy Pilot Project
THE DALLES, OR — The Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub (4RELH), in partnership with Children’s Institute and the Columbia Regional Educator Network, is proud to announce that Arlington School District and Mid Valley Elementary (Hood River County School District) have been selected as the inaugural participants for the P3 Leadership: Rural Academy Pilot Project (RAPP).
The RAPP initiative is designed to strengthen the "P3" system—the critical educational bridge from Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. By fostering deep collaboration between K-12 school districts and early learning providers, the project aims to create a seamless continuum of support for children during their most foundational years of development.
“We are thrilled to partner with Arlington and Mid Valley on this pilot,” said Shira Skybinskyy, Director at Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub. “A P3 alignment approach isn't just about academics; it's about building a sense of belonging and ensuring that every child—especially those with complex lived experiences—is met with responsive practices and a supportive community from day one.”
Strengthening the Foundation
The selected teams will participate in a specialized Leadership Academy beginning June 1. This program provides professional learning and technical assistance focused on:
Alignment: Coordinating foundational early learning skills with K-12 standards.
Belonging: Implementing child-wellbeing practices that reduce challenging behaviors and ease school transitions.
Family Engagement: Building early trust between home and school to meet ODE community partnership guidelines.
Commitment to Rural Excellence
Arlington School District and Mid Valley Elementary were chosen for their vision and dedication to regional equity. Through this pilot, they will help lead the way in showing how rural communities can leverage collective impact to ensure all children arrive at kindergarten ready to thrive and remain supported through the third grade.
Please email SSkybinskyy@cgesd.k12.or.us if you have questions about this opportunity or the application process.
P3 Leadership:Rural Academy Pilot Project (RAPP)
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