GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

We are committed to building a strong, sustainable child care system in Reno County. Many of the grant programs below were created using ARPA funding to stabilize and strengthen the child care sector. As those funds are now largely expended, the grant cycles outlined below are currently closed.

RETENTION GRANTS

The Retention Grants are competitive grants designed to focus, enhance and/or expand an organization’s existing programs and services; or as an investment in a project which is a critical enhancement to the mission of your childcare organization. A total of $2.5 million through 2026 is dedicated to Retention Grants, which are reimbursement based and designed to offset business expenses.

Infant Incentive: The data gathered from the Retention Grants revealed a clear trend: both home providers and daycare centers face an annual loss of approximately $5,200 per infant care spot. In response, the Reno County Child Care Task Force has introduced an additional Infant Incentive as part of the quarterly Retention Grant Program.

Note: This grant cycle is closed due to the exhaustion of ARPA funding. No additional Retention Grant applications are being accepted at this time.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS FUND

The Immediate Needs Fund provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers facing unexpected regulatory or facility maintenance issues that could impact operations. Whether addressing citations, replacing essential equipment, or making urgent repairs, this fund ensures that child care programs remain compliant, operational, and safe for the children they serve.

Note: Funding for the Immediate Needs Fund was supported by ARPA dollars and is no longer available and applications are no longer being accepted at this time.

QUALITY & EXPANSION GRANT

The Quality & Expansion Grant provides up to $5,000 in funding to help licensed child care providers enhance their facilities, create new child care slots, or expand the services they offer to families.

Note: This grant cycle has concluded as ARPA funding is fully allocated. No new awards will be made at this time.

ACCELERATOR GRANTS

In 2023 we received two grants: the Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant and an innovation Communities Grant. Funded by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Kansas Office of Recovery, these funds are intended to boost local childcare capabilities and were invested in eight crucial projects across Reno County.

Learn More

ADDITIONAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Below are non-ARPA funded opportunities that may still be available to support child care providers. Availability and eligibility are determined by the administering organization.

KDHE State-Level Fees Waived
Governor Laura Kelly announced that the State of Kansas will cover licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking initial licensure or renewal through 2025, or until funds are depleted.

Learn more at: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/280/Child-Care-Licensing
KCCTO Professional Development Scholarships
KCCTO provides scholarships to support early childhood providers in advancing their careers and expertise. Scholarships are available for in-service training, state conferences, and CDA candidates.

Learn more at: https://kccto.org/providers/scholarships/