For Early Childhood Professionals
Grants and Financial Opportunities
The 2021-2022 Regional Grant provides FREE money to help cover the cost of supplies, equipment, technology, and training. Grant funds are offered annually and are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified child care programs in the seven county metro area. The application guide serves as an FAQ and has details on how to apply.
Click Here to Watch the Regional Grant Virtual Information Session
Please note, the online application will be available starting Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
At that time, you can apply online through Develop https://www.developtoolmn.org/
Resources
Click here to download the FY 2021-22 Regional Grant PowerPoint Presentation. Application Guide Click here to download the FAQ document which covers the grant process, eligibility, and requirements. Click here to download the 2021 Develop Application Instructions Wish List Blank Click here to download a copy of the blank wish list. It is not required to have one completed but highly recommended. This is used to organize your thoughts on paper. Wish List Completed Example Click here to download a copy of a completed wish list. Other Resources Click here to download instructions on how to register for an Organization Profile. The application is housed in a program’s Organization Profile. If you do not have one, this document will walk you through the steps on how to register for one.
Emergency Grants are available to assist licensed child care providers/programs and legally exempt school-based school-age care programs experiencing an emergency. An emergency includes occurrences that disrupt a provider/program’s immediate ability to provide care for the children enrolled in their program, or occurrences that jeopardize the health and safety of the children in the program.
Please email grantsrequest@thinksmall.org for availability of funds and to request for an application.
The Start Up Grant is a non-competitive grant available for child care programs that intend to become licensed or have been licensed for six months or less, which are contingent on your program becoming licensed. These funds are available to assist with the costs associated with start-up for newly licensed child care programs and are limited to items and services required by licensing or the Fire Marshall.
The evaluation of the Start-up Grant Application and the Start-up award determination is the amount of funding requested and the appropriateness of the items requested in reference to Minnesota Licensing Rule regarding the need for the items along with any Licensor’s/Fire Marshall’s orders and verification of the items requested.
To inquire, please email suegrantrequest@thinksmall.org.
Applications/Resources:
Families may apply for Early Learning Scholarships. Scholarships can help pay for high-quality childcare and early education to help children get ready for kindergarten. Early Learning Programs must participate in Parent Aware to serve scholarship children.
Think Small accepts applications for families living in Ramsey and Hennepin County.
Click here for the application and more details.
Please contact Think Small at 651-641-6604 or scholarships@thinksmall.org if you have questions about helping families fill out the application.