The East Grand Forks Rural Childcare Innovation Program (RCCIP) has unveiled a new grant initiative aimed at enhancing health and safety standards among local child care providers. Applications for this grant will be accepted starting at 10 a.m. on January 15, 2024, and will close at noon on February 15, 2024.
According to Maggie Brockling, the economic development director of East Grand Forks, the funding will support projects focused on essential improvements such as training, health, safety, and licensing needs. “For example, if a provider needs to replace fire alarms, the costs can be quite significant,” Brockling noted. “This grant can help offset expenses like state or county licensing fees, making it a valuable resource.”
Interested applicants can access the grant application through the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority’s website. The recipients of the funding will be announced by March 1, 2024.
Background of the RCCIP
Established in 2021, the RCCIP is part of First Children’s Finance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the business and financial challenges faced by child care providers in Minnesota. The program aims to enhance the sustainability of the child care sector by offering local support and coordinating with state and federal assistance systems.
Brockling emphasized that the RCCIP was created to tackle pressing issues surrounding child care accessibility. “One of the primary goals was to create a grant program to support local providers,” she explained. The initial round of funding will distribute a total of $1,000. Recently, the RCCIP secured $5,000 in funding from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which oversees and allocates funding to various nonprofits.
The RCCIP plans to increase the grant amount in future cycles as additional funding is acquired. “We hope to structure the funding in a way that maximizes its impact across the community,” Brockling added.
Community Contributions and Future Goals
The entirety of the grant funding has been sourced from local businesses and organizations. Contributors include Sanford Health, Frandsen Bank, C&H Insurance, Mendenhall Presbyterian Church, First Community Credit Union, American Federal Bank of East Grand Forks, VFW Post 3817, American Crystal Sugar, Simplot Grower Solutions, and Gowan Construction.
While the RCCIP initially aimed to raise $15,000 for its grant account, it did not reach that target. Nevertheless, Brockling remains optimistic about future fundraising efforts. The grant applications will be evaluated by February 27, 2024, by a committee that includes representatives from the city, county, school district, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and local child care providers.
Brockling expressed that the introduction of this grant opportunity is essential in addressing the ongoing challenges in the local child care sector. “Providing this funding opportunity is crucial for our community, especially as we work to fill available child care spots,” she said. The RCCIP’s initiative signifies a proactive approach to enhancing the infrastructure of child care services in East Grand Forks, ultimately benefiting families and children in the region.
