Read Our Message to Early Child Care Providers

 

Dear early childhood advocate,

 

We know that now, more than ever, Central Minnesota child care providers face new challenges as the coronavirus impacts families, businesses and communities. Today we're asking for your help to spread the word about a rapid-response emergency grant program we’ve created at the urging of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and in concert with our five Minnesota Initiative Foundation partners.

 

The Emergency Child Care Grant Program (launched March 26) provides immediate financial support to licensed family- and center-based child care providers in Central Minnesota who are serving emergency and essential workers.

 

Grants of $500 to $3,000 will be awarded to providers who serve the children (birth to 5) of first responders, emergency personnel, health care workers or anyone else deemed essential to work during this crisis. See the state-approved list of essential personnel. We intend to provide a response and funding to qualified applicants within two weeks of application submission.

 

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Use this short online application to apply.

 

The Emergency Child Care Grant Program is being coordinated throughout Greater Minnesota by the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations through the investment of $50,000 each. Fundraising from additional partners is ongoing, so there may be an opportunity for additional grant rounds.

 

If you know a provider in another community beyond Central Minnesota, please have them contact their local Minnesota Initiative Foundation for more information. Providers in the seven-county metropolitan area should contact Think Small, an organization that is providing a similar grant opportunity for metro-area providers.

 

We don’t know what the next few weeks will bring, but our team is ready to help where and when we can, and we’re sending good thoughts to all you!