1. Start-up & Expansion Grants

PURPOSE: To help support the start-up or expansion of center-based or family-based child care programs located in Greater St. Louis County (anywhere in St. Louis County except within the city limits of Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor).

FUNDING AMOUNT: Family-based programs may apply for up to $5,000. Center-based programs may apply for up to $25,000.

TO APPLY: To apply for a Start-up & Expansion Grant, you will first need to complete a short online questionnaire. If you have questions about Start-up & Expansion Grants or the Inquiry Survey, please email Taylor Holm, Program Officer.

• Inquiry Survey

We will be reviewing inquiries on a regular basis and will get back to you with next steps if your program qualifies for funding.

2. Sustainability Grants

PURPOSE: To help licensed family-based child care providers and child care centers that are experiencing a challenge which jeopardizes their program’s ability to maintain services. This may be due to a required repair outlined by a State or County/Tribal Child Care Licensor and/or Fire Marshal or other emergency that impacts their ability to provide child care.

FUNDING AMOUNT: Licensed family-based programs can apply for up to $5,000. Licensed center-based programs can apply for up to $10,000.

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: Programs may apply for funds to replace or repair materials damaged or lost due to an emergency, or to correct infractions flagged by licensing. The items you apply for must directly affect the quality and safety of your program and meet licensing requirements. All materials must be new and purchased from a retail store, not a private party.

Eligible items that are 100% for business use will be funded at 100%. Items that are shared with a household (licensed family-based program) or organization (such as a congregation) may be funded at 50% (e.g. furnace, water heater, dishwasher, etc.).

TO APPLY: (1) As a first step before applying, please carefully read the Grant Information.

(2) The Application may be completed as a Word doc that you can download and work in using Word, or as a fillable pdf which you can open and type directly into online, then download and save.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Grants

PURPOSE: This opportunity offers grants to individuals or small, informal groups to support grassroots activities that raise awareness, urge change, and promote healing around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relations. Applications are being accepted until OCTOBER 15, 2023. Decisions will be made and applicants notified by the end of November. Successful grants can expect payment by December 31, 2023. Project periods can be up to one year. Area where the project is happening must be within:

• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District 1)
• Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (District II)
• Minnesota Counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and/or St. Louis.

FUNDING AMOUNT: Up to $10,000 per grant.

EXAMPLES OF WHAT THE GRANT WILL HELP PAY FOR:

• Materials and supplies, including technology, needed to carry out grant activities
• Food for program participants
• Space rental
• Honorarium for Indigenous knowledge-holders who assist the project (elders, spiritual leaders, etc.)
• Compensation for organizers

EXAMPLES OF WHAT THE GRANT WILL NOT PAY FOR:

• Capital projects (such as buying or renovating buildings or projects that are mainly to buy large equipment.
• Costs associated with starting, operating, or expanding a business.
• Political campaigns or other partisan political activities
• Sectarian religious activities
• Personal compensation that is not related to project activities

TO APPLY: First, please read the Information Sheet. You will use the Maada'ookiing grant portal to apply. Go to the Maada'ookiing-Apply page and scroll down to Application Resources and Portal.

QUESTIONS? Email Cayla Bellanger DeGroat.