Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network, known as Child Care Aware of Minnesota, is a public charity based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It supports Minnesota’s early care and education system through provider grants, workforce and professional-development programs, quality-improvement work, and child care information and technical assistance.
Key facts about Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
- EIN
- 41-1730422
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Total assets
- $8,010,989
- How to apply
- For Child Care Services Grants, contact the local county Grant Administrator for application instructions. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The 2025–26 Regional Grant priorities covered July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$8.0M
-5.2% YoY
Revenue
$10.2M
+6.2% YoY
Net Investment Income
$74K
-28.8% YoY
Expenses
$10.3M
+11.1% YoY
How Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network gives
- 61% of 2021 grantees were also funded in 2020. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s website says it works to build an equitable, high-quality early care and education system that meets the needs of Minnesota families and children. Its 2024 filing describes work that includes coordinating professional development, supporting child care providers and educators, administering Parent Aware rating activities, and helping families access information about child care.
Child Care Services Grants help qualified child care programs pay for supplies, equipment, technology, and training. The grants are administered through district offices and include Regional, Start Up, and Emergency grants. For the 2025–26 Regional Grant cycle, priorities included children’s health and well-being; relationships with families; teaching and relationships with children; assessment and planning for individual children; and professionalism.
Examples of organizations reported as grantees include Kid Zone Child Care Center, which describes its mission as providing quality child care and early education for children from six weeks through kindergarten, and Hazel Park Learning Center, which describes its mission as providing quality, affordable preschool and child care in East St. Paul. Community Child Care Center describes its mission as supporting children and families through affordable, high-quality early childhood education in a safe and inclusive setting.
Grantmaking
The IRS filing data lists zero grants for each of 2023, 2024, and 2025. Separately, the provided records identify three grants made in 2021: $15,500 to Kid Zone Child Care Center and $12,750 each to Hazel Park Learning Center and Community Child Care Center. These are the listed examples, not a reported total for the year.
The organization also offers Child Care Services Grants to qualified child care programs. Regional grants are awarded competitively; district offices may also have funding for start-up costs and emergencies. Its website says regional applications are submitted online through a program Develop Organization Account and directs applicants to their local county Grant Administrator for information and instructions.
Review Cycle
The 2025–26 Regional Grant priorities covered July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. The website lists September 1–25 as the annual Regional Grant application period; that cycle is past.
How to Apply
For Child Care Services Grants, contact the local county Grant Administrator for application instructions. Regional applications are submitted online through the program Develop Organization Account and are awarded competitively.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
American Rescue Plan Support Grants
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
Amount
Average $77,400 awarded to child care centers; Average $8,400 awarded to family child care programs
Deadline
Deadline not published
CDA Awards
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Child Care Services Grants
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization’s work and programs are described as statewide in Minnesota. The Child Care Services Grants page directs applicants to district offices, and the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program is listed as serving Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $638K (2021) to $17.5M (2020). In 2021 it made 40 grants totaling $638K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
40 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 40 grants of 40 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2025.
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,010,989 | $10,172,967 | $10,277,209 | 0 |
| 2024 | $8,449,489 | $9,578,543 | $9,246,252 | 0 |
| 2023 | $7,483,495 | $7,448,220 | $7,325,221 | 0 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,010,989 | $8,449,489 | $7,483,495 |
| Revenue | $10,172,967 | $9,578,543 | $7,448,220 |
| Expenses | $10,277,209 | $9,246,252 | $7,325,221 |
| Net Investment Income | $74,247 | $104,246 | $15,538 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 IRS filing lists Marcia Schlattman as board chair, Liz Kuoppala as board vice chair, Brittany Clausell as board secretary, and Maria Steen as treasurer. It also lists Nancy Hafner, Margaret Mahowald, Zang Vang-Lee, Joann Johnson, Ariane Bromberg, and Juliet Lee as board members.
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network is led by Ann McCully, Executive Director on every filing since 2019; 4 of 20 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ann McCully
Executive Director
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$96K (2019) → $146K (2025)
Marcia Schlattman
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Treasurer, 2021
Board Treasurer → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diane Benjamin
Director of Communications
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$101K (2025)
Calahena Merrick
Associate Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$104K (2022) → $144K (2025)
Nou Thao
Associate Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$105K (2024) → $117K (2025)
Joann Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Liz Kuoppala
Board Vice Chair
Board Member → Board Secretary, 2022
Board Secretary → Board Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maria Steen
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brittany Clausell
Board Secretary
Board Member → Board Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Juliet Lee
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret Mahowald
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ariane Bromberg
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Hafner
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Zang Vang-Lee
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
April Kraemer
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Valdez
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Amundson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Marquardt
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristin Otto
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Nathan
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Lanay Miller (2019–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Phyllis Sloan (2019–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Marlene Jehnke (2019–2023) — Board Vice Chair
- Former: Hortensia Leon (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jodi Wambeke (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Mike Huber (2019–2022) — Board Chair
- Former: Jodi Schneider (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Monson (2021–2022) — Associate Director
- Former: Nicole Collins (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Becky Littlewolf (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Hannah Riddle De Rojas (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Laurel Wills (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Fletcher (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Nedra Robinson (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Tammy Oveson (2019) — Board Secretary
- Former: Wendy Walburg (2019) — Board Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $146K, to Ann McCully (Executive Director). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 10 River Park Plaza 820, St Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 290-9704
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network
How large is Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network?
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network reported $8.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.2M.
What does Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network fund?
The organization’s website says it works to build an equitable, high-quality early care and education system that meets the needs of Minnesota families and children. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network?
For Child Care Services Grants, contact the local county Grant Administrator for application instructions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network make grants?
The organization’s work and programs are described as statewide in Minnesota. The Child Care Services Grants page directs applicants to district offices, and the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program is listed as serving Minnesota.
What is Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network's EIN?
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1730422. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
First Children's Finance
Minneapolis, MN
First Children’s Finance supports child care businesses and communities through grants for projects such as facility improvements, feasibility studies, and provider support, as well as loans paired with technical assistance. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,283 to $50,000, with a median of $11,839; grant examples are in Minnesota, Vermont, and Wisconsin, while its loan fund serves 10 states.
Assets
$7.0M
Grants
80
Total Given
$1.1M
Think Small
Saint Paul, MN
Think Small funds early care and education, including child care program quality, educator support, and early learning scholarships, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota organizations. Its 2025 grants had a median of $14,139, though awards ranged widely; it offers regional grants to eligible Minnesota child care programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.7M
Grants
135
Total Given
$8.7M
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Owatonna, MN
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation funds early childhood care and literacy, entrepreneurship and economic development, and small-town and community initiatives. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,169 to $100,000, with a median award of $12,000, and support work in its 20-county southern Minnesota region.
Assets
$80.9M
Grants
102
Total Given
$1.9M
Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association
Columbus, OH
OCCRRA funds Ohio organizations serving child care, early learning, and youth development, including through program-specific stabilization and access grants. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,960 to $50,970, with a median of $30,060. Organizations apply for assistance and are reviewed against program criteria; unsolicited requests are not addressed in the information provided.
Assets
$6.3M
Grants
4
Total Given
$118K
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Inc
Nashville, TN
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee supports nonprofits across a range of needs, including housing, disaster relief, education, health, public safety, and the arts. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $8,500, with amounts ranging widely; it primarily serves Middle Tennessee, with 76% of 2024 grant dollars going to Tennessee recipients. Special Interest Grant applications are submitted through its grants portal; no new competitive Community Impact cycle is planned for fiscal year 2026–2027.
Assets
$832.0M
Grants
2,450
Total Given
$107.1M
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Hutchinson, MN
The Southwest Initiative Foundation funds community-led projects, nonprofits, local development, and programs supporting youth and families, older adults, welcoming communities, and regional needs in southwest Minnesota and the Upper and Lower Sioux communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,045 to $342,996, with a median of $15,000. It accepts grant ideas on an ongoing basis, though many grants are made through community foundation and designated-fund partners with their own application guidelines.
Assets
$123.4M
Grants
166
Total Given
$4.9M
United Way of Southeast Minnesota
Rochester, MN
United Way of Southeast Minnesota funds programs addressing health, financial security, youth opportunity, and community resilience, especially for people facing disparities or difficulty meeting basic needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,087 to $98,048, with a median of $15,000, for programs serving Olmsted, Dodge, Winona, or Fillmore County, Minnesota. Funding opportunities open periodically, typically about once a year; applications are submitted through specific RFPs.
Assets
$3.9M
Grants
43
Total Given
$1.2M
Early Learning Indiana Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Early Learning Indiana supports Indiana early learning and child care programs, especially efforts that improve quality, expand capacity, and serve infants and toddlers through facility upgrades, classroom resources, and workforce development. Its 2024 grants ranged from $20,600 to $822,500, with a median of $350,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
82
Total Given
$28.3M
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$218.3M
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
More Funders in Minnesota
Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network down — hundreds of funders to go?