Retention Grants

The Reno County Childcare Task Force (RCCTF), through the fiscal agency of United Way of Reno County, administers the Retention Grant program as part of a broader initiative to stabilize and enhance childcare services in Reno County, Kansas. This competitive grant program supports local childcare providers, including home-based, center-based, school-based, and other early childhood education (ECE) settings. The grants aim to enhance or expand existing programs and services or invest in mission-critical childcare projects that strengthen local capacity and sustainability. Since its inception in 2023, RCCTF has distributed over $1.55 million in retention grants and infant incentives to local providers. These funds are vital for stabilizing the childcare infrastructure by supporting enrollment-based reimbursement, tiered by child age. Funding amounts range from $200 to $500 per child per quarter, with reduced rates for part-time enrollments and certain exclusions for federally funded slots. Home and center-based providers are both eligible, but children fully covered by non-DCF federal programs are not eligible for retention funds. The program prioritizes flexible use of funds with required accountability through quarterly reports and annual budget submissions. Applications open quarterly, with specific windows for each calendar quarter. Q1 2025 applications are accepted April 1–30, Q2 from July 1–31, Q3 from October 1–31, and Q4 from January 1–31 of the following year. The application process is streamlined, requiring no login, and providers must submit documentation of how funds were used with each request. An annual budget must be submitted at least once per year, and providers must retain receipts for five years. Each quarterly submission must include enrollment verification, and random audits, including parental confirmations, may be conducted to ensure compliance. United Way, as the fiscal agent, ensures adherence to federal funding laws, with audit and documentation protocols in place to maintain program integrity. Providers agree to all requirements upon application submission. The grant does not currently require cost matching. This funding opportunity is anticipated to end in 2026, and RCCTF encourages providers to plan for sustainability beyond this funding window. The organization offers ongoing training through "Lunch & Learn" sessions and other engagement opportunities to keep providers informed about future initiatives and resources. Questions can be directed to info@renocountychildcare.com or 620-669-9329.

Submit accurate data and retain receipts for 5 years.