Non-profit Childcare & Early Education Facilities in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Commerce is currently accepting applications for grants aimed at addressing the child care shortage in communities across Kansas. These grants are specifically designed to provide funding for the construction of new child care facilities or the renovation of existing ones. Eligible expenses include design and planning costs, as well as construction and acquisition of properties in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. The total funding available for this program in 2024 is $1.5 million, with individual grants ranging from $650,000 for communities with populations under 5,000 to $800,000 for those with populations over 5,000. The primary purpose of this grant program is to benefit low- and moderate-income individuals by ensuring that at least 51 percent of the clientele served by the funded facilities meet the low-to-moderate income criteria. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance access to quality child care and early education services in areas identified as child care deserts by Childcare Aware of Kansas. The program aims to create sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact on the communities served. Eligible applicants for this grant include all incorporated cities and counties in Kansas that do not receive an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, and Wichita, among others, are ineligible due to their entitlement status. Additionally, applicants must not have any open CDBG projects that require a time extension or have exceeded their original contract end date. The application process requires detailed documentation demonstrating the project's need, readiness, and potential impact. Priority will be given to projects located in areas identified as child care deserts, and applications will be evaluated based on sustainability and the availability of matching funds. A local match of at least 25 percent of the total project cost, excluding administration costs, is required. Bonus points may be awarded for communities that have not received a CDBG grant in the past five years and for those that secure at least 10 percent of their local match from private sources. The deadline for submitting applications is November 1, 2024. Interested parties should ensure that their proposals align with the program's objectives and eligibility criteria. For further information, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley at the Kansas Department of Commerce via email or phone. This grant program represents a significant opportunity for communities in Kansas to enhance their child care infrastructure and support low- and moderate-income families.