Purpose

This funding is intended to increase the number of childcare slots available for Wyoming families by: 

• • Offsetting start-up costs for new/start-up childcare businesses. In this instance, a start-up/new childcare business is defined as open one year or less.  
  • Offsetting other associated costs for established businesses whose aim is to increase enrollment capacity.   

Eligibility

• Applicants must be licensed, working toward licensure, or must accept childcare subsidies.  
• Applicants may be nonprofit or for-profit entities.  
• Priority will be given to:  

1. 1. In-home childcare business start-ups, particularly those serving a community with no or limited childcare options. (New/start-up businesses who have opened within the last year (based on application deadline), and those planning to open within a year of submitting an application will be considered).   
   2. Existing providers looking to expand capacity, particularly those serving a community with no or limited childcare options   
   3. Other applications will be considered.  

Additional Benefits:   

We understand that to be a successful childcare business it’s important you have access to resources and support that serve your needs now and in the future.   

We’re happy to share that by submitting this application you will be automatically connected with free support services from groups who are here for YOU: The  Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative,  WY Small Business Development Center, and the Wyoming Women’s Business Center. You will receive follow-up communication from each organization.  

Timeline

• Applications will be accepted on a bi-monthly basis, opening on the first and closing on the last day of the following months: January, March, May, July, September, and November.  

  • Opens	Closes
    January 1	January 31
    March 1	March 31
    May 1	May 31
    July 1	July 31
    September 1	September 30
    November 1	November 30

     

  • WYCF will work to announce decisions the month following the deadline date. For example, if an application was submitted March 13th, the deadline closes March 31st, and the application will be reviewed in April. Announcement of awards will be made as quickly as possible.   
  • Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Funding awarded under this opportunity must be fully expended or obligated by January 1, 2026.  

Funding

Multiple awards are anticipated; thus, requests must not exceed $10,000.00 per applicant and grants will be distributed until funds are expended. Requests exceeding this amount will not be considered and partial funding may be awarded as well.  

Scope: Funding can support a wide array of needs, however applicants should prioritize those items essential to opening or expanding their services, such as safety equipment, furniture, or facility improvements, before requesting enhancements like technology or play/educational materials.

Examples of requests include but aren’t limited to:  

• • Renovations that allow for increased capacity and/or which increase safety and health   
  • Push bar exits  
  • Replacing doorknobs   
  • Egress windows  
  • Fencing  
  • Green space  
  • Deck renovations  
  • Kitchen equipment   
  • Modifications to assist children and families with disabilities  
  • Child health and safety proofing items, such as approved safe sleep surfaces, gates, locks for cabinets or unsafe spaces, approved covers for fireplaces, food handling and storage items. 

Please contact Micah Richardson (Micah@wycf.org) with general questions or Megan Landre (MeganL@wycf.org) with questions regarding the online application.