Early Care and Education Grant Program

Early Care and Education Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: September 23, 2025

Summary

The Early Care and Education Grant Program, initiated by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aims to provide funding for early care and education services for children from birth to age five in southern Minnesota. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $20,000 to support essential services, including health and training for young children. This initiative promotes community collaboration and supports diverse populations, ensuring impactful developmental resources are accessible.

Overview

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is a regional development and philanthropic organization that fosters economic and community vitality in the 20 counties of southern Minnesota through a culture of collaboration and partnership. . Early Care and Education Grant Program The Early Care and Education Grant program will help fund early care and education services for children birth to age five. Organizations that work with these children in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Grant funds could be used to support social, emotional, physical and mental health, training and development to operate and address the needs of young children, or other activities necessary to maintain the services in early care and education.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. SMIF's 20-county region includes:Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, WinonaFunding requests can be up to a maximum of $20,000 for this oneIf you have a current grant, include a status update of your project in order to qualifyProjects must be completed within one year of the grant award dateProjects are encouraged to support underserved & diverse populations unit/agency of government or a public institution.Proposals must be submitted by an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Only one application per organization will be considered.

Ineligibility

Ineligible organizations or activities include:Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizationsNonprofit organizations other than IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizationsGeneral operating expensesCapital funding, campaigns, or endowmentsFunds for re-granting or loan pools