The Reno County Childcare Retention Grant is administered by the Reno County Childcare Task Force with fiscal oversight provided by the United Way of Reno County. This grant initiative is designed to support local childcare providers by enhancing and expanding existing programs and services or investing in projects that are critical to a childcare organization’s mission. The overarching aim is to stabilize and strengthen the local childcare infrastructure in Reno County, Kansas.
These competitive grants are intended to be flexible in their usage, allowing providers to allocate funding where it is most needed within their programs. However, there is a firm requirement for transparency and accountability. Each grant recipient must submit a detailed statement with every application indicating how the funds were used. Additionally, an annual budget is required to be submitted at least once per year. All expense documentation must be retained for five years. The grant program emphasizes the importance of responsible fund use, explicitly prohibiting unrelated expenses such as vacations or personal costs.
Applications for the retention grants are accepted quarterly in 2025, with each submission window opening at the start of the month following the quarter’s end and closing at the end of that month. Specific deadlines include April 1–30 for Q1, July 1–31 for Q2, October 1–31 for Q3, and January 1–31, 2026 for Q4. The grant application process for 2025 has been updated to no longer require a login, making it more accessible to providers.
The grant program also includes audit procedures to ensure integrity and compliance. These include submitting documentation such as child enrollment records with each application and undergoing random audits that may involve contacting parents to confirm enrollment. These procedures are still being finalized but are a critical part of maintaining public trust and accountability in the disbursement of funds.
Eligible applicants are childcare providers operating in Reno County. Specific eligibility criteria are not fully detailed in the available information, so interested providers are encouraged to reach out directly for clarification. Support is available through the United Way of Reno County, which serves as the point of contact for questions about the application process or technical assistance. Inquiries can be directed to info@renocountychildcare.com or by calling 620-669-9329.
