Clay County Early Childhood Fund
Clay County
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To comply with bank requirements and prevent delays in deposits, all checks must be issued to West Central Initiative, with “Clay County Early Childhood Fund” in your check’s memo field.
Credit card payments will list West Central Initiative as the merchant on your bill but by using this donation page, your donation will be given to the Clay County Early Childhood Fund.
Designating West Central Initiative as the payee ensures that the Internal Revenue Service recognizes your tax-deductible contribution.
Overview
A 2021 report, from First Children Finance, shows an additional 1,300 child care slots are needed in Clay County, MN to meet the needs of families. Of those slots, roughly 1,000 are needed in the city of Moorhead. Based on ongoing conversations with the community and local child care providers, we continue to hear a growing concern and need for more affordable, quality child care slots.
Additionally, with worker shortages and the need to increase recruitment, area businesses are actively asking for child care solutions to address this primary workforce barrier (FM Chamber).
Through a provider and partners survey and community needs assessment, there was a resounding need for community outreach, fundraising, and communication plan to support a community lead solution to increasing access to child care. That is where you come in! Through your investment into the Clay County Early Childhood Fund you are supporting the funds purpose of:
- Mini grants to support new child care facility start-up
- Grants to support facility updates for current providers
- Training and professional development for providers and child care staff
- Appreciation celebrations and recognition of providers and child care staff
- Community events to connect and engage with community and providers such as the Longest Table and KidsFest
- Increase accessibility of mental health and behavioral support for providers and children
Grant Application
The Clay County Early Childhood Fund’s mission is to increase access to child care and retain current providers.
Grant Purpose: To fill gaps in funding to support all child care providers in Clay County.
Eligibility:
- Program must be located in Clay County
- Must be a licensed child care provider or be in the process of becoming licensed
- Be in good standing with license
- Have explored other funding opportunities and resources to address the program’s funding needs
Check out this link of other funding resources and opportunities available:
Deadline:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The next review deadline will be March 31, 2026. Future deadlines are to be announced.
Size of Grant Awards:
Grants are generally between $250 to $2,500 based on available funds raised by the Clay County Early Childhood Fund.
Grant Focus Areas:
- New child care facility start-up
- Facility updates for current providers
- Training for providers and staff
- Increase accessibility of mental health and behavioral support for providers and children
If you have questions, please email Jody Jordet at eciclaycounty@gmail.com
