With a call out to those working under a “collective impact” framework – a supposedly more effective way to solve complex social issues – United Way of San Diego County will release nearly $2 million to groups working on goals to help the youngest San Diegans, from birth to third grade. United Way seeks to support networks that focus on two community goals – getting children ready for kindergarten and getting them reading at grade-level in the primary grades. Efforts should foster family stability and health as a critical foundation for healthy development and academic success, the nonprofit says. With approximately $2 million in investment grants and staff support available, United Way will help seed, build and expand San Diego County networks of nonprofits, health providers, schools, government, businesses and other community-based organizations that are working in structured, cross-sector groups to serve the needs of local children and families for the long-term. “Instead of individual partners separately trying to help children in San Diego, we are seeking groups of partners who agree on a collective goal and pool their talents and resources to improve the lives of kids and their families and then track the collective progress,” United Way President and CEO Kevin Crawford said. Funded efforts to support children may include strategies that increase positive parenting, quality preschool, social-emotional health and family stability and wellness. A plan to continue efforts beyond the initial funding period is a critical requirement, as United Way is focused on making investments that lead to long-term community success. United Way’s collective impact work has included its oversight of the Partnership for Children in City Heights and Vista; creation of the Project 25 pilot program for the homeless; and support of the Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood, Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP) and the Military Family Collaborative. Funding for the grants was made possible from the support of companies around San Diego County, including AT&T, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, GEICO, NASSCO, Solar Turbines, UPS and many others. Whether running employee campaigns or making annual corporate gifts, these local corporations’ donations allow United Way to make targeted investments. The initial Request for Proposals application is due Wednesday, Mar. 11. To apply or for more information, visit uwsd.org.