East Grand Forks Childcare Providers Grant

The East Grand Forks Childcare Providers Grant is a targeted local funding initiative aimed at strengthening the childcare ecosystem within the City of East Grand Forks. The program is operated under the broader framework of the Rural Childcare Innovation Program (RCIP), which supports collaborative efforts to address childcare access challenges in rural communities. This grant initiative builds on the city’s previous achievements in childcare development and community-based planning, as outlined in their SMART Goals accomplishments. These included local solutions for provider recognition, safety compliance, workforce development, and facility expansion—all of which lay the groundwork for sustainable childcare operations in the area. The EGF Childcare Providers Grant is specifically designed to support both new and existing childcare providers located within East Grand Forks. The intent of the program is to reduce financial barriers to operating or expanding childcare services, thereby increasing the number of available childcare slots and improving overall service quality. Applicants who are selected to receive funding may use the grant dollars for qualifying operational or capital expenditures. The program does not specify rigid categories for allowable expenses, but the six-month utilization window suggests a focus on near-term impact projects, such as equipment purchases, minor facility upgrades, staffing costs, or curriculum materials. The application period for the grant opens on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and closes on February 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Applicants are required to submit a complete application during this window; late submissions will not be accepted. Upon submission, proposals will first be reviewed by the Regrants Subcommittee, which will evaluate applications for completeness, alignment with program goals, and overall impact potential. All referred applications will then be reviewed by the full RCCIP Committee by February 27, 2026. Final funding announcements are expected to be issued by March 1, 2026. Award recipients will be expected to sign a formal grant contract outlining the terms and conditions of funding. As part of the accountability process, recipients must also submit a final grant report detailing how the funds were used and the impact of the grant on their childcare operations. While no matching funds are explicitly required, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate the feasibility and readiness of their proposed activities within the grant period. The grant does not specify eligibility restrictions by organization type, suggesting an inclusive approach that may include sole proprietors, non-profit entities, and licensed childcare centers operating within East Grand Forks. However, applicants must be geographically located in East Grand Forks to qualify. Interested parties should ensure their proposals are well-aligned with the city’s broader childcare development objectives and the intent of the RCCIP program.