Resources and Grants for Providers

In order to ensure access to high-quality early childhood settings for all children, Minnesota CCR&R Network is committed to supporting all people who care for children.

Links on this page:
Grants, Loans & Scholarships | Facility Finance | Other Useful Links

 Grants, Loans and Scholarships

Child Care Resource and Referral’s (CCR&R’s) build connections for providers and programs by promoting the professional growth and development of child care program staff and family child care providers through grants, resources, training, consultation and mentoring.

Every other year, the state legislature and the MN Department of Human Services determine the total dollar amount that will be spent statewide for grants, loans and scholarships. This funding is a mix of state and federal dollars.

Opportunities to apply for funding occur periodically throughout the two-year time period. Local CCR&R agencies disburse the funding through use of a local Proposal Review Committee.

To find the grants contact in your area, select your county or reservation:

Each proposal review committee is required by state statute to include someone from each of the following groups: Family Child Care Provider; Parent User of Child Care Services; Child Care Center Provider (Non-Profit & For-Profit); School-Age Care Provider; Health Services; Public Schools; Social Services (County Licensor); Regional Employer; Head Start. Other organizations that should also be contacted include: Welfare Rights Organizations; County Agencies (Child Care Assistance Programs); Jobs & Training; Community Action Programs; ECFE and other Early Childhood Programs. The proposal review committee should also include diversity with respect to cultural background and gender. If you are interested in knowing more about proposal review committees or serving as a member of one, contact your local CCR&R agency by clicking on the link in the menu to the left.

For more specific information about grants, loans, and scholarships, click below on your area of interest.

Facility Finance

FIRST Children'S FINANCE

There are resources available if considering building a new center or if your center or family child care home needs renovation or remodeling to better accommodate the children in your care.

First Children's Finance (FCF) offers resources for child care programs to help them with the "business side" of their child care business. If you are interested in building a new center, remodeling or renovating your existing home or facility,First Children's Finance is the place to look for financing. They provide Technical Assistance to new or existing child care programs. Through consultation with experienced professionals they can help build better business practices to ensure a strong child care program.

First Children’s Finance has put together a special grant and loan package to
help child care providers pay for quality improvements and facility expansion. The package includes an initial grant up to $5,000 plus a loan of $25,000 or more. READ MORE (PDF).

For more information on these programs visit the FCF web site at: www.firstchildrensfinance.com.

Other useful links: