For childcare business owners, the commitment to nurturing children often means juggling some serious financial responsibilities. With budgets stretched thin, grants can act as lifelines, not just for sustaining operations but also allowing for growth and improvement. 

The state of Missouri gets how vital early childhood care is and offers a variety of grants to meet the varied needs of childcare providers throughout the state. In this article, we’ll explore childcare grants in Missouri and advice for applying for this necessary funding.

What is a grant?

A grant is money given out by the government, foundations, corporations, or other entities that you don't have to pay back. This could be to nonprofits, schools, businesses, or even individuals. Unlike loans, grants don't come with interest or repayment terms, unless you don't meet certain conditions.

Grants for childcare are aimed at improving services, making environments better, and ensuring everyone has fair access to quality care. They can span from supporting the construction of childcare facilities to subsidizing provider training and purchasing materials.

The U.S. government’s second and final funding package for fiscal year 2024 includes a $1 billion increase for programs focused on child care and early childhood education^¹. This new funding includes an additional $275 million for the Head Start program and $725 million for the Child Care and Development Block Grant which funds state efforts to provide child care to families and improve the quality of care. 

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Childcare grants in Missouri

From state-funded grants to private foundation funding, providers in Missouri have an array of options to explore for their specific needs.

Grants and resources from government agencies

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the lead state agency that oversees the distribution of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) in Missouri. This funding can be in the form of certificates, grants, or contracts to provide childcare services to low-income families or improve the quality of care provided.

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood provides a range of resources to promote quality early childhood education, including grants, professional development opportunities, and technical assistance. 

• MO Quality Pre-K (MOQPK) Grant: This grant is focused on existing programs and supports the development and expansion of additional preschool programs in Missouri. Funds may be used for any expense that supports the pre-k program.
• Preschool Start-Up Grant: This funding opportunity is for starting a new preschool program and can be used for expenses such as salaries, supplies, equipment, and minor remodeling. 
• Child Care Subsidy Program: This program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families in Missouri who need help paying for childcare services. DESE contracts with eligible childcare providers who then receive subsidized payments directly from the state for their services.
• Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Program: This initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of children in care by providing direct access to health professionals who can advise on best practices, policies, and training for providers.

Missouri Department of Economic Development 

The Missouri Department of Economic Development plays a crucial role in supporting childcare providers through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These grants are pivotal for communities looking to improve childcare centers, thereby addressing the infrastructure needs that are essential for expanding access to quality childcare services. 

Early Connections

Early Connections Enhancement funds enable providers to enhance or upgrade their programs by purchasing eligible items. Funding varies based on facility size.

Professional development support

Investing in the professional development of childcare staff is crucial for maintaining quality in early childhood education. Below are some resources available to providers in Missouri. 

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Missouri

The Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) program offers scholarships to early childhood professionals in Missouri, covering up to 90% of tuition fees for coursework or credentialing programs.

Child Care Aware of Missouri

This organization offers various resources for childcare providers including start-up support, staff training, business consulting services, and scholarship opportunities.

The CDA Scholarship Project offers full scholarships to childcare professionals seeking to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The initiative helps individuals through the credentialing process, pays the application fee, and also pays participants $215 after earning a CDA credential and another $215 six months after, as long as the individual remains working at their original childcare program.

Grants from private foundations

Beyond state-funded opportunities, Missouri's childcare providers have access to generous grants from private foundations. 

Berges Family Foundation

Located in St. Louis, the Berges Family Foundation places a strong emphasis on initiatives that strengthen families and communities, including those aimed at enhancing the quality of childcare.

Hall Family Foundation

With a concentration on organizations located in the Kansas City area, the Hall Family Foundation prioritizes programs that improve educational outcomes for young children, especially those from underserved communities.

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation

This foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents in the Kansas City area, with a particular focus on health and education. 

The PNC Foundation

Through its Grow Up Great initiative, the PNC Foundation supports early childhood education efforts, offering grants to providers for curriculum development, teacher training, and classroom resources in Missouri and beyond.

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Federal grants and funding opportunities

The federal government offers a variety of grants and funding opportunities to support childcare providers across the United States, including Missouri. These grants are designed to improve access to quality childcare, support the professional development of childcare workers, and enhance the learning environments for children under their care. Some key federal funding sources include:

U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers discretionary grants that are awarded using a competitive process, as well as student loans or grants to attend college, and formula grants determined by Congress. Here are some helpful resources to explore:

• ED grants homepage: The ED grants homepage allows you to browse funding opportunities, links to grant applications, and your eligibility status.
• Grants.gov: The Grants.gov website is the central location that provides information on grants across the federal government. You can search for and apply to different funding opportunities, determine your eligibility, and access grant writing tips. 
• Head Start and Early Head Start Programs: Aimed at promoting school readiness for children under five from low-income families, these programs provide grants directly to public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services. The Office of Head Start (OHS) posts notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) that seek applications for grand funds. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) manages various financial assistance programs for rural applications. One example is the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program that provides funds to be used to purchase, construct and/or improve essential community facilities like childcare centers, purchase equipment, and pay related project expenses in rural areas with no more than 20,000 residents.

Applying for grants

Applying for childcare grants in Missouri can be a competitive process, as funding is often limited. To increase your chances of receiving a grant, it’s essential to carefully review and follow all application guidelines and requirements. Here are some general steps to take when applying for childcare grants:

• Meet all licensing requirements: Ensure that your program meets all of the licensing requirements in Missouri. Maintaining licensing compliance shows a commitment to high-quality standards and is often also required for you to be eligible for specific grants and funding opportunities.
• Do your research and determine your eligibility: Research available grants and determine which ones align with your needs and goals. Before applying, check to see that you meet all the necessary criteria. Most (but not all) government grants are aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, so be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully.
• Gather your documentation: Most grant applications will ask for specific documentation, such as financial statements, demographic information, licenses, and certifications. Be sure to have these prepared in advance. With brightwheel you can quickly and easily access custom reporting to meet your specific needs.
• Write a compelling grant proposal: Read successful grant applications to learn how to structure your approach. Include an executive summary of your project and clearly define the need or problem your childcare services address. Provide a detailed description of your program and list your objectives and expected outcomes. Follow all grant application instructions, have someone else review your proposal before submitting, and submit your application on time. 

Additional tips for success

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when applying for grants for your childcare center:

• Stay informed: Connect and engage with local and state organizations focused on early childhood education. If possible, join their email lists or follow their social media pages, as these organizations will often share grant and funding information as it becomes available. Also, regularly check the websites of federal agencies to stay informed on available grants or programs. 
• Create a budget: A comprehensive childcare center budget will highlight the financial needs and priorities of your program and give funders a clear understanding of how a grant will be utilized. With a clear picture of your program’s finances, you can also maximize the impact of any funding that is received.
• Plan a fundraiser: Hosting a fundraising event can raise necessary funds for your program. Have a bake sale, organize a silent auction, or host a trivia night. 
• Hire a grant writer: If your budget allows, consider hiring a grant writer. A grant writer can craft a compelling narrative about your program and navigate the complexities of the grant application process for you.

Final thoughts

Navigating the grant landscape can be daunting, but with an understanding of the basics and a knowledge of resources available in Missouri, childcare providers can access vital funding to support their crucial work. These grants serve as a valuable tool for enhancing and expanding services, ultimately benefiting the children and families of Missouri.

1. “Former Preschool Teacher Patty Murray Delivers $1 Billion More to Help Families Find and Afford Child Care & Pre-K”, United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, 03/21/2024.

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