Make Way for Kids Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Grant

Funder: Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Children and Families Child Development Division (administered by First Children's Finance)

Geographic Scope: Vermont

Program Purpose: Increase the supply of excellent child care in Vermont by increasing the number of infant and toddler child care spaces in the state.

Program Status: Ongoing program, current application timeline not specified on website

Eligible Applicants

• Existing child care businesses (family child care, public school, center-based program, etc.) in good standing with Vermont Department of Taxes and Department of Children and Families
• OR starting a new child care business working with Department of Children and Families to get licensed
• Must be located within Vermont

Award Amounts

• Family child care (home-based) programs: Up to $20,000
• Child care centers, schools, businesses, municipalities, and other agencies: Up to $50,000
• Projects adding 25+ new spaces in underserved communities: May be eligible for more than $50,000

Requirements

• Grantees must accept state Child Care Financial Assistance for eligible families
• Willingness to engage with state funding assistance program

Contact Information

• Email: vtgrants@firstchildrensfinance.org
• Instructions: Include your town/county when emailing

Partners

• Vermont Child Development Division (CDD)
• Let's Grow Kids (LGK)

Application Process

Current Status: Specific application deadlines not listed on current website

To Get Started:

1. Email VTgrants@firstchildrensfinance.org with your town/county information
2. Request grant guidelines and application instructions
3. FCF will provide application materials and timeline information

Available Resources:

• Grant Guidelines
• Overview of Ineligible Items/Uses
• Supply and Demand Analysis
• Building Bright Futures Regional Council information

Contact for Questions:

• Email: vtgrants@firstchildrensfinance.org
• Include your town/county when contacting

Note: For historical reference, a previous round had applications available starting September 18, 2023 with an October 25, 2023 deadline, with decisions in December and completion by June 30, 2024. Current round timeline should be confirmed by contacting program directly.