Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant

The Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant is administered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, an organization focused on strengthening communities across Wyoming through strategic grantmaking and support for local initiatives. This funding opportunity is designed to address a critical shortage of childcare availability across the state by increasing the number of licensed childcare slots available to Wyoming families. The program reflects a broader statewide priority to expand access to early childhood care, particularly in high-need areas where families face significant barriers to securing reliable childcare services. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to either new childcare providers in their early stages of operation or existing providers seeking to expand their capacity. For new or start-up childcare businesses, defined as those operating for one year or less, funding is intended to offset initial costs associated with launching operations. For established providers, the grant supports expenses tied directly to increasing enrollment capacity, thereby enabling more families to access care. Applicants may be either nonprofit or for-profit entities, and additional applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on alignment with program goals. Funding requests are capped at a maximum of 10000 dollars per applicant, and multiple awards are anticipated. Awards may be granted in full or partially funded depending on the review process. The funding scope includes a wide array of allowable uses, with an emphasis on essential expenditures required to open or expand childcare services. These include safety equipment, facility improvements, accessibility modifications, kitchen equipment, and items necessary to meet licensure requirements. Specific examples include fencing, ventilation improvements, smoke detectors, accessibility ramps, and child safety equipment. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including land or building purchases, vehicle acquisition, employee wages, emergency funding, and revenue replacement. Eligibility requirements are structured to ensure that applicants are actively working toward sustainable and compliant childcare operations. Applicants must be licensed, in the process of obtaining licensure within one year, or must accept childcare subsidies. Additionally, all applicants are required to engage with the Small Business Development Center to develop or refine business plans and financial projections, ensuring operational viability. Applicants must not have previously received Childcare Start-Up funding. Priority is given to applicants serving high-need areas, those demonstrating increased access to care, and those integrating sustainability into their business models. The application process opens on June 1, 2026 and closes at 11:59 PM on July 15, 2026. Applications are submitted directly to the Wyoming Community Foundation. While no formal pre-application stage is specified, applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the Small Business Development Center prior to submission. Award announcements are expected in August 2026. In addition to financial support, successful applicants are required to participate in free support services through the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which provides ongoing technical assistance and professional development. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with program priorities, including the ability to increase childcare access, serve high-need communities, and demonstrate long-term sustainability. Applications that incorporate acceptance of childcare subsidies and present strong business planning are viewed favorably. For further information or assistance, applicants may contact the Wyoming Community Foundation via email or phone, or reach out directly to Micah Richardson for program-specific inquiries.

Emphasize how funding will increase childcare access; prioritize essential startup or expansion costs; demonstrate sustainability through business planning; highlight service to high-need areas