Bright & Early DuPage, an initiative of DuPage Foundation, recently awarded more than $340,000 to seven early childhood collaboratives across DuPage County as part of its 2026 grant cycle. Since launching in 2013, the initiative has focused on building sustainable, coordinated, local early childhood collaborations that expand access to high-quality early childhood education.
Bright & Early DuPage works to ensure every child in DuPage—from birth to age five—has the support they need to start kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. Through its work, DuPage Foundation has helped establish numerous early childhood collaboratives serving communities across approximately 50% of DuPage County. Together, these collaboratives connect thousands of children and families with limited resources to critical early learning opportunities and support.
“Strong communities begin with solid foundations for our youngest residents,” said Barb Szczepaniak, vice president for programs at DuPage Foundation. “By bringing together local partners and investing in collaborative solutions, Bright & Early DuPage is helping communities expand access and create opportunities for families to thrive. We’re proud to support the organizations coming together to make quality early childhood education more accessible across DuPage County.”
Seven 2026 Bright & Early DuPage grants totaling $340,500 were awarded to:
| Addison Partners for Play, Learning & Education (APPLE) | $50,000 |
| Bensenville Early Learners Supporters (BELS) | $50,000 |
| Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative (GECC) | $50,000 |
| Villa Park Area Early Childhood Collaborative | $40,500 |
| WeGo Together for Kids | $50,000 |
| Wheaton Warrenville Early Childhood Collective (WWECC) | $50,000 |
| Willowbrook Community Early Childhood Collaborative | $50,000 |
Funding for this year’s grantees was supported by several Foundation Bright & Early DuPage endowment funds and contributions from additional donors. For more information on the initiative, visit dupagefoundation.org/brightandearly.
