Purpose

Thank you for applying! The purpose of this funding is to increase the number of childcare slots available for Wyoming families.

Timeline

• The application will open June 1, 2026 and close at 11:59 PM on July 15, 2026. Announcements of awards will be made in August. 

Eligibility

Project requests must either:

• • Offset start-up costs for new/start-up childcare businesses, defined as operating for one year or less.
  • Offset associated costs for established businesses whose aim is to increase enrollment capacity.
• Applicants must be licensed, working toward licensure within one year of applying, or
  must accept childcare subsidies.
• Applicants must work with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on business
  plans and financials. The SBDC is a free small business resource. If your organization
  already has a strong, customized business plan, we ask that you still reach out as they
  may have other resources available for you. Please reach out to Devan Costa-Cargill with
  SBDC at dcostaca@uwyo.edu for more information.
• Applicants must not have been previously awarded Childcare Start-up funds.
• Applicants may be nonprofit or for-profit entities.
• Other applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Priority

• Applicants located in or serving high need areas of Wyoming.
• Requests that demonstrate how funding will increase access to care.
• Childcare businesses accepting or planning to accept childcare subsidies.
• Childcare businesses with business plans that consider organizational sustainability
• Other applicants considered on a case by case basis

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 The Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative. You will receive follow-up communication from each organization. Participation is mandatory for awardees.

Funding Request

More than one award is anticipated; thus, requests must not exceed $10,000.00 per applicant. Requests exceeding this amount will not be considered. An award may be made in whole or in part.

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:  

• Materials or improvements necessary to meet licensure requirements
• Push bar exits
• Replacing entry and exit doors and/or related hardware (e.g., doorknobs)
• Fencing
• Green Space
• Indoor and outdoor safety and accessibility renovations, including lighting and ventilation improvements, smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation or repair, childproofing measures, ramp installation, deck or stair repairs, and more.  
• Modifications to assist children and families with disabilities
• Kitchen equipment
• Child health and safety items, such as approved safe sleep surfaces, gates, locks for cabinets or other unsafe spaces, approved fireplace covers, and food handling and storage items, etc.

Funds may not be used for: 

• Construction (other than renovations described above)
• Purchase of land, buildings, or vehicles
• Emergency purposes
• Backfilling revenue shortfalls
• Employee wages

Please contact Micah Richardson (Micah@wycf.org) with questions.