Welcome! 

PLEASE NOTE:  ALL communication regarding grants will go to the email address you use to sign into Submittable.  If you choose to use Facebook or Google, all communication will go to the email address associated with those options, which may or may not match the email address you list in the application.  If you do not use those email addresses for your business, please create an account in Submittable rather than choosing Google or Facebook.

INSTRUCTIONS

Before submitting an application, please read the instructions and guidelines provided in the Grant Guidelines, linked within the application and found on the webpage address, listed above.  

Please check back here for a updates, watch the website at www.firstchildrensfinance.org/for-businesses/grants or email grants@firstchildrensfinance.org with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Below are instructions for accessing the grant portal, Submittable.  

  • You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit to these forms.
  • You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
  • If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission.   You are limited to one application per cycle per license.  If you submit more than one application in the same quarterly grant cycle for the same license, both applications will be ineligible/disallowed.
  • Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.  Microsoft Edge is currently not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
  • We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.  As noted above, all email will go to the email address used to sign into Submittable.  If you use Google or Facebook, please check the email accounts associated with those options regularly.
  • For technical help, you may click on the white question mark in the dark circle in the upper right corner of the application at any time.
  • For help in answering the questions, you may message grant program staff using the Messaging options to the right of the application or call 612-473-6020.

Technical Questions regarding Submittable?

Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.

Apply Now to Business Leadership Cohort Fall 2024

Grant Guidelines 

First Children’s Finance (FCF) has a 30-year history of increasing the sustainability of child care businesses by engaging entrepreneurs, communities and state and federal systems to address the business and finance needs of child care businesses. FCF’s mission is to grow the supply and business sustainability of excellent child care. First Children’s Finance, in partnership with West Central Initiative Foundation, is excited to offer grants to family businesses in Minnesota who complete the West Central Business Leadership Cohort in its entirety. Grants of $1,400 will be awarded to child care providers who participate in all cohort sessions, and individualized goal setting and financial analysis consultations. 

Eligibility 

Applicants who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for a West Central Business Leadership Cohort grant: 

  • A licensed family child care provider located in West Central Minnesota.
  • Enroll in the Fall 2024 Business Leadership Cohort offered by FCF in West Central Minnesota and complete all components of the cohort including:

              1. Attend and be an active participant in each of the four sessions of the Business Leadership Cohort;

              2. Complete a financial analysis consultation with FCF staff including gathering and sharing financial information to prepare for the individual consultation session;

             3. Identify business goals and complete a goal setting consultation with FCF staff.

  • Applicants must be in good standing with prior FCF grants, including being current on any grant reporting or repayment of any grant-related invoices to FCF.
  • Applicants must be current on any loan payments to FCF.
  • Applicants are expected to use grant funds for purposes outlined in goal-setting consultation with FCF staff AFTER grant award notification and the required acceptance has been returned to FCF. 
  • Grant funds may not be used for construction or major renovation of facilities but may be used for items meeting federal Child Care Development Fund guidelines. Examples include minor repairs and upgrades to child care facilities, child care-related equipment and services, and costs related to meeting health, safety, licensing, and learning requirements. 

Timeline

  • Applications will be distributed to WC BLC participants on an individual basis once all four training sessions and the two required consultations have been met – no later than January 13, 2025. 
  • Applications are due by January 31, 2025. 
  • Grant notification will be sent by February 7, 2025 with an attached Grant Agreement/ACH (bank deposit)/IRS W9 Form.
  • The Grant Agreement/ACH/W9 Form must be completed and returned to FCF in the grant portal by February 14, 2025. 
  • Payments will be sent via ACH (direct deposit) unless awardee indicates that they have no bank account.  When no bank account is available, a check will be issued to the mailing address on the W9.  Please note that check requests take longer to process and payment will be delayed.
  • A final report will be due by May 19, 2025. Failure to return this report by the deadline will result in an invoice being issued for return of grant funds.