Choice Bank > #PeopleFirst
Child Care
Grant Program
Bettering the places we live begins with supporting our local child care facilities.
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Child care services are vital to supporting the families and economies of our rural communities. However, barriers to funding and lack of resources make it difficult for child providers facilities to remain successful.
The demand for child care services far exceeds the current capacity of licensed child care providers in North Dakota. According to Child Care Aware ND, there are 120,371 children potentially needing care in North Dakota, yet the licensed child care capacity statewide is only 36,529.
This grant program will provide financial assistance to rural child care facilities in North Dakota so they can continue providing their community with care and education for our children. Licensed child care providers are eligible for this grant, whether you provide in-home child care services or operate a child care center. Please review the eligibility requirements below to ensure you qualify for the grant.
We encourage licensed child care providers to utilize this grant opportunity to support their facility’s start-up costs, replacement or expansion costs, and one-time operating expenses.
Grant Program Details
For a complete overview of the Choice Bank Child Care Grant Program, download the program guidelines document here.
Applicants for Choice Bank Child Care Grants Must:
- Be licensed by the state of North Dakota. New facilities must have a pending application.
- New facilities must be prepared to open within 6 months.
- Be a Choice customer OR be based in and primarily serve families in the following counties: Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Grand Forks, Kidder, LaMoure, Mercer, Pembina, Stark, Stutsman, or Walsh.
- The facility is in a community with a population of less than 10,000.
- Demonstrate general fiscal responsibility and agree to use the grant funds to further the quality of care provided to its children and families served. Facilities must be in good financial standing with no tax liens, judgments, etc.
- Funds may be used for reimbursement of a prior completed project (completed within the calendar year of your application) or can be used to pay for a planned project to take place no later than 12 months after your grant is awarded.
- Submit a complete and accurate application providing all requested information by the stated deadline.
The Child Care Grant is currently limited to rural North Dakota facilities to support communities with the greatest need. Many of North Dakota’s smaller communities are faced with a decline in childcare availability, posing significant challenges for working families and their local economy.
Process
- You may apply for grants in the amount of $75 to $10,000.
- Special financing options may be available for projects that exceed $10,000 requested by 501(c)(3) organizations. Please contact your local Choice Bank for more information about additional low-rate financing with payment assistance provided through the Child Care Grant Program.
- You will be asked to supply supporting documentation with your online application, including, but not limited to:
- Facility license information
- Receipts, bids, or other documentation for the requested project
- Proof of payment, if seeking reimbursement
- The grant review panel consists of individuals from Choice Bank. Preference will be given to facilities that meet one or more of the following criteria (if your facility does not meet any of the following, it does not prevent you from qualifying for a grant):
- Facility serves families that qualify for a Child Care Assistance Program
- Facility is on a food program
- Facility has tax-exempt status
- Start-up/New Facility
Start-Up Support
Support of costs associated with establishing a new child care facility
Replacement or Expansion Costs
Support costs to expand new or existing facilities, renovate the facility, purchase new or replace/repair equipment, etc.
One-time Operating Expenses
Funding of one-time expenses to support standard operating costs. Examples include training for staff, one-time hiring bonuses, one-time contributions to employees’ Health Savings Accounts, etc.
Grand Award Information
- Awards will be announced and/or granted in two rounds throughout 2024.
- Successful applicants will receive a Grant Agreement to execute.
- The grant period is for 12 months from the date of notification.
- Upon receipt of the executed Grant Agreement, Choice Bank will issue the grant award.
- Documentation of completion must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.
- If the project is not completed by the expected date, the grantee must request (and receive) an extension prior to the original completion date or return the funds.
- For grants over $2,500, the child care facility must remain in operation for no less than 12 months from the initial grant date.
2024 Application Deadlines
We are accepting applications in two rounds throughout 2024. You are welcome to apply in with or both rounds.
Round 1
- Application Deadline: May 31
- Notification of Application Status: By June 30
Round 2
- Application Deadline: September 30
- Notification of Application Status: By October 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Why program is limited to North Dakota?
The Child Care Grant is currently limited to rural North Dakota facilities to support communities with the greatest need. Many of North Dakota’s smaller communities are faced with a decline in childcare availability, posing significant challenges for working families and their local economy.
How much am I eligible to receive?
Each facility is limited to receiving $10,000 in grant funding per calendar year.
If I’ve previously received a grant am I eligible to apply for another?
Yes, if you have previously applied for or received a Choice Bank Child Care Grant you are eligible to apply for the following year’s grant program as long as you do not exceed grant requests in excess of $10,000 per calendar year.
If my application is not selected can I reapply during the next round?
Yes, if your request for funding in Round 1 is declined, you are eligible to apply for a grant in Rounds 2 and 3. Likewise, if your request for funding in Round 2 is declined, you are eligible to apply for a grant in Round 3.
Can I apply for a grant to cover rent and utility expenses?
No, grants requesting funds for rent and/or monthly utility expenses will be declined. This grant is intended for one-time expenses.
Can I save my progress on my grant application and come back to it later?
No, the application must be completed in one sitting. We suggest having a copy of the program guidelines to use as a reference while working on the application and that you work offline, formulating your answers in a separate document, then copying and pasting it into the form when you are ready to submit your application.
What expenses are eligible for the grant?
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Costs associated with starting a new child care facility
- New equipment, materials, purchase(s)
- Facility renovations
- Hiring bonuses
- Other hiring expenses
Ineligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Activities that do not directly support the childcare facility or the services it provides
- Facilities that are not Choice customers OR located in Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Grand Forks, Kidder, LaMoure, Mercer, Pembina, Stark, Stutsman, or Walsh County.
- Facilities located in communities that exceed 10,000 in population.
- Rent and other operational expenses that are not one-time in nature
- Projects that were completed in a different calendar year than when you are submitting your application.
Will receiving a Choice Bank Child Care Grant impact my taxes?
No, a Child Care Grant will not affect your taxes. Since the grant is under the $15,000 IRS limit it is considered a gift rather than income, so you will not receive any tax documentation from Choice Bank.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Choice Bank Child Care Grant, use of funds, eligibility requirements, or application process, please email marketing@bankwithchoice.com.