The Early Childcare Initiative Grant, administered by the Salina Area United Way (SAUW), supports community-identified needs in early childhood education within Saline County, Kansas. The Salina Area United Way is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening the community through three priority areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. This grant initiative is designed to align with those goals by helping licensed childcare centers increase staff compensation and improve service quality.
Funding under this program aims to close wage gaps for early childhood education staff by supplementing pay rates up to approximately $15 per hour for Teachers' Assistants and $18 per hour for Lead Teachers. Awards are determined based on available funds as set annually by the SAUW Board of Directors. Because of limited funding, awards may be partial, and organizations may only receive one grant within a 12-month period unless acting as a fiscal sponsor. The funds are issued as reimbursements, and recipients must adhere to monthly reporting requirements to receive payouts.
To be eligible, applicants must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), operate in Saline County, and maintain non-discriminatory employment and service policies. They must also be 501(c)(3) organizations with documented goals, objectives, and outcomes aligned with SAUW’s mission. Applications must include key documentation such as financials, licensing, staffing, and proof of governance.
Applications were due by noon CST on March 7, 2025. The review process includes an initial staff review, committee scoring based on a rubric, and final approval by the SAUW Board of Directors. Award decisions are communicated within 45 days. Funds must be expended within one year of the award date unless extended by the Board.
Grant recipients are required to acknowledge SAUW in all promotional materials and participate in organizational engagement activities such as workplace campaigns, storytelling submissions, public events, and media presence. Ongoing compliance with monthly reporting on staff vacancies, childcare slots, payroll, and KDHE compliance is mandatory to maintain funding eligibility.
Ensure the application is complete and aligned with one SAUW priority area. Maintain monthly documentation to retain eligibility.
