Frequently Asked Questions
What is RAS?
The Regional Activity Support Program (RAS) is a funding opportunity designed to strengthen the early care and learning ecosystem in East Central Indiana.
The initial round of funding provided over $216,000 of funds that supported facility renovations, classroom materials, outdoor play, curriculum, and coalition development. TRAC has up to $100,000 of funding available for the current round.
Who can apply for RAS?
The proposed projects must benefit the 0-5 population in at least one of the following Indiana counties: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, or Wayne.
RAS applicants must be early care and learning providers, organizations, or community partners who meet at least one of the following criteria:
Provide childcare in homes, centers, churches, or schools (licensed, registered, or LLEP)
Provide community or business support for providers, young children, or families
Be an active member of an early learning or childcare coalition
Applicants may be for-profit or not-for-profit. Applicants and awardees who received a single year of funding in Round 1 are eligible to apply.
Project goals must address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All awarded funding must be tied to some impact connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the mission of TRAC, the Regional Birth-5 Coalition, and RAS?
Our North Star guides us: We will build a strong foundation that East Central Indiana uses—and Indiana sees as a model—to advance early care and learning, its professional workforce, communities, and economic development.
What are the funding parameters?
Proposed projects, estimates, and contracts must not exceed $10,000.
Programs that received 2 years of funding from the first round of RAS may not apply.
The attached scoring rubric will determine how funding is allocated.
What type of projects is RAS looking to support?
The proposed projects should work to enhance the following areas and be clearly tied to outcomes that support early learning. Examples include:
· Community supports
· Furniture or storage
· Large motor supports
· Literacy and numeracy sets
· Outdoor equipment
· Safety improvements
· Social-emotional kits
· Space refresh and renovations
· Technology needs
What type of funding is prohibited by RAS?
Per Ball State University policy, advocacy efforts cannot be funded.
Food and beverages, gift cards, subscription-based materials, travel costs, wages, administrative support, and overhead expenses are not allowable expenses.
All orders must be placed directly by TRAC through Ball State University systems, and self-ordering or reimbursements will not be permitted.
NOTE: While RAS 1.0 allowed for the purchasing of large varieties of manipulatives, supplies, and incentives, RAS 2.0 is intended to focus on sustainability and larger ticket items. Due to recent changes in Ball State University's purchasing requirements, some Amazon purchasing options may have become restricted. Please be mindful of choosing strategically, aiming for fewer, larger items.
What is the timeline for RAS?
RAS applications are due at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Awardees will be announced in December 2025.
Funds should be spent by March 31, 2026.
Data collection and final reports will be due by May 31, 2026.
How do I apply for RAS?
Read, review, and carefully complete the requested cover page, demographics, narrative, and budget portions of this application, using the rubric as a tool to guide your decision-making.
If you have questions about your application or the efforts in your county, reach out to Jeri, Lucinda, and/or your local coalition leaders. Locate your coalition leaders here https://www.ecitrac.org/about (click on your county name in the map).
