The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant is designed to help states and territories improve their early care and education systems. This grant focuses on using technology and data to enhance program quality, access, and coordination. The goal is to support informed family choices and better understand the needs of young children. Successful applicants will propose a targeted investment that delivers measurable results within one year.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments and territories looking to enhance their early childhood education systems using technology and data analytics.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state government or territory
- Proposing a project that does not focus on technology and data infrastructure
- Failing to demonstrate measurable results within one year
- Not meeting cost-sharing/matching requirements
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan including cost-sharing details
- State or territory's current ECE data infrastructure assessment
- Plan for measuring project outcomes
- Letters of support from relevant stakeholders
Cautions
- Cost-sharing or matching funds are required
- Project must deliver measurable results within one year
- Focus must be on technology and data infrastructure
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are state governments and territories. The grant is open to all states and territories without restrictions, meaning any state or territory government can apply as long as they meet the grant's focus and requirements.
Overview
This grant is for state governments and territories looking to enhance their early childhood education systems using technology and data analytics.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state government or territory
- Proposing a project that does not focus on technology and data infrastructure
- Failing to demonstrate measurable results within one year
- Not meeting cost-sharing/matching requirements
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to invest in technology and data infrastructure that improves early care and education systems. This includes enhancing program quality, access, and coordination, and supporting informed family choices.
Total Program Funding
$224,000,000
Expected Awards
25
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 21, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 20, 2026(59 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 20, 2026
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility as a state government or territory
- Develop a detailed project proposal focused on technology and data
- Prepare a budget plan with cost-sharing details
- Gather letters of support from stakeholders
- Outline a plan for measuring project outcomes