Child Care Grant Program

The Choice Bank Child Care Grant Program is designed to address the pressing need for accessible and high-quality child care in rural North Dakota. Choice Bank, a division of Choice Financial Group, established this initiative to provide financial support to licensed child care providers, including both in-home operations and larger facilities. The bank recognizes the crucial role child care services play in sustaining the economic and social health of small communities and has tailored this program to strengthen the infrastructure of child care across the state. The grant supports three main areas: start-up costs, replacement or expansion expenses, and one-time operating costs. Start-up costs may include expenditures related to opening a new facility. Replacement and expansion costs could cover renovations, new equipment purchases, or structural enhancements. One-time operating expenses eligible for funding include staff training, hiring bonuses, and one-time contributions to employee health savings accounts. The goal is to make a measurable impact on the capacity and quality of child care services in the communities served. Eligible applicants must be licensed child care providers in North Dakota or have a pending license application if the facility is new. The facility must be located in a town with a population under 10,000 and either be situated in or serve one of the following counties: Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Grand Forks, Kidder, LaMoure, Pembina, Stark, Stutsman, or Walsh. Alternatively, facilities not located in these counties are also eligible if they are Choice Bank customers. Facilities must demonstrate financial responsibility, be in good standing, and agree to use the grant strictly for improving child care services. The grant funds can be used for projects completed within the calendar year or for projects planned within 12 months after receiving the grant. The application process is conducted online and requires documentation such as proof of licensure, receipts or bids for the proposed project, and proof of payment if applying for reimbursement. The application must be completed in a single session, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Preference is given to facilities that serve families participating in Child Care Assistance Programs, those involved in Food Programs, tax-exempt organizations, those increasing capacity, and start-up facilities, although facilities not meeting these preferences are still encouraged to apply. The program accepts applications in two rounds each year. For 2025, the first-round deadline is May 31, with award notifications sent by June 30. The second-round deadline is September 30, with notifications by October 31. Awards range from $75 to $10,000 per facility per calendar year. Once a grant is awarded, recipients must sign a Grant Agreement and complete the project within 12 months. If the grant is over $2,500, the facility must remain operational for at least one year. Documentation confirming project completion must be submitted within 30 days of completion. Extensions must be requested before the original completion date if delays occur. Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon submission. Any questions regarding the application, eligibility, or use of funds should be directed to marketing@bankwithchoice.com. The program is designed as a stepping stone to support the longevity and sustainability of essential child care services in North Dakota’s rural communities.

Facilities should review requirements in advance and prepare all documentation prior to beginning the application, which cannot be saved mid-process