The Iris Krieg Fund, under Bright Promises Foundation, aims to support youth in fighting discrimination and promoting equity through advocacy, activism, and engagement in social justice efforts. It prioritizes fairness, access, inclusion, and resiliency in its initiatives.
The Early Childhood Education Quality Improvement Program (EQUIP) by the Bright Promises Foundation supports licensed, nonprofit early childhood centers (ECCs) in Cook County that serve primarily low-income children. EQUIP grants help these centers undertake quality improvement projects, with an emphasis on serving all children aged 0-5, although there is flexibility with the age range to include children up to 7 years old. ECCs can apply for a one-year grant of up to $15,000 to collaborate with external consultants and develop a project that fosters healthy, age-appropriate growth and development in children. Projects should aim at institutionalizing changes that enhance the ECC's programs permanently, benefiting children for years to come. Second-year funding of up to $8,000 is available to refine and support the sustainability of the improvement projects. The guiding principles for funded projects include promoting experiential learning, activities, play, positive social/emotional skills, resilience, parental engagement, and acknowledging children’s individual strengths and curiosity. Strategies for sustainability and lasting change are crucial, such as updating center guidelines, policies, curricula, teaching orientations, and documenting successful strategies for future reference.