The East Grand Forks Rural Childcare Innovation Program (RCCIP) has announced a new grant opportunity aimed at supporting local child care providers. Applications for the grant will open at 10 a.m. on January 15, 2024, and will remain open until noon on February 15, 2024. This initiative is designed to address critical areas such as training, health and safety, and licensing needs within the community.
According to Maggie Brockling, the East Grand Forks economic development director, the funding will assist with various projects. For example, providers may seek financial help to replace essential equipment like fire alarms, which can be costly. Additionally, the grant can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with licensing fees imposed by state or county authorities.
Grant Details and Application Process
Applications for the grant are accessible through the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority’s website. The recipients of the funding will be announced by March 1, 2024. The RCCIP was established in 2021 as part of First Children’s Finance, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that focuses on addressing the business and financial challenges faced by child care providers in the state.
Brockling highlighted the importance of the RCCIP, stating that it was designed to tackle significant issues in the child care sector. “One of the aspirations was to create a grant program or funds available to support the needs of local child care providers,” she noted. The first round of funding will distribute a total of $1,000.
Recently, the RCCIP secured $5,000 in funding from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which oversees and grants funds to various nonprofits. While the initial goal was to raise $15,000, Brockling expressed optimism for future fundraising efforts to increase the grant amount in subsequent cycles.
Community Support and Future Goals
All funds for the grant have been sourced from local businesses and organizations, including Sanford Health, Frandsen Bank, C&H Insurance, Mendenhall Presbyterian Church, First Community Credit Union, American Federal Bank of East Grand Forks, VFW Post 3817, American Crystal Sugar, and Simplot Grower Solutions. Despite not reaching the initial fundraising target, the RCCIP aims to continue its efforts to gather donations and eventually meet that goal.
The application review process will take place by February 27, 2024, conducted by a panel that includes representatives from the city, county, and school district, alongside members from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation and local child care providers.
Brockling emphasized the significance of this new grant opportunity, stating it could provide local child care providers with additional financial options to help sustain their operations. “Because we do struggle with filling enough child care provider spots that are open, it’s important that we can offer that funding opportunity to our community,” she added.
This initiative represents a vital step in enhancing child care services in East Grand Forks, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring that local child care providers have the necessary resources to thrive.
