Mille Lacs County Childcare Provider Grant

The 2024 Childcare Provider Grant Program aims to support licensed childcare providers by awarding grants of up to $500 to improve the quality of childcare services. Eligible expenses include upgrading equipment (such as furniture, toys, and learning materials), investing in technology (computers, tablets, and software), subscribing to childcare-related educational platforms, enhancing outdoor play areas with fences, expanding facilities to increase capacity, and participating in education or training programs. To qualify, applicants must be licensed childcare providers, and the funds must be used exclusively to benefit the childcare program. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and are scored based on several criteria: clarity of the funding purpose, potential impact on childcare quality, demonstrated financial need, feasibility and sustainability of the proposed improvements, and overall presentation quality. Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2024. The application process requires a written request outlining how the grant will be utilized to enhance the childcare services, including a detailed description of the items or improvements and an impact statement explaining how the grant will benefit the childcare program. Award recipients will be notified within 30 days, and funds will be distributed thereafter. Grantees are required to provide receipts for approved expenses by September 30, 2025, to avoid repayment requests.