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First Children Finance Growth Fund Loans and Grants is a program from First Children Finance that provides grants and low-interest loans to child care businesses to support growth, sustainability, and expansion. The program serves child care centers, family child care providers, certified child care centers, and legal unlicensed providers, with emphasis on rural communities, BIPOC entrepreneurs, and underserved areas.
Currently available in Minnesota and Vermont through state government funding, eligible organizations may receive grants ranging from 5000 to 20000 dollars with loans also available. Founded in 1991, First Children Finance has a long history strengthening child care businesses.
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Grants - First Children’s Finance Child Care Business Cohorts Rural Child Care Innovation Program Training and Technical Assistance Consultation to Communities Customized Consultation and Projects ECE Business Collaboratory Tribal Nations and Communities First Children’s Finance Child Care Grants First Children’s Finance is pleased to offer Child Care Grants in the selected states of Minnesota and Vermont, made possible by funding from state government.
Grants can used in many different way for child care centers, family child care providers, certified child care centers, and legal unlicensed providers. We have a long and strong history in helping communities with grants that help grow, develop, and expand child care in needed communities that partner with us. Below are the current states that grants are offered in.
FCF’s Minnesota team is co-located in our national headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. As the oldest state office, the Minnesota team has developed alongside the national vision for our organization. Programs and services have been continuously been offered across Minnesota since our founding in 1991.
Today, Minnesota’s team members can be found in every region of the state, serving child care business clients and communities in rural areas, population centers and the Twin Cities metro area. Although the need for excellent child care exists in every community, the Minnesota team recognizes the need for a diversity of approaches to serve rural child care businesses, BIPOC entrepreneurs, and community partners.
Click Here to Learn More about Minnesota Grants The BTAP is committed to addressing the business needs of Vermont’s early childhood and afterschool programs. To help us better understand the current needs, First Children’s Finance is conducting a survey of child care business owners and directors. The results of the survey will be shared with stakeholders and used to determine offerings of the BTAP throughout 2023 and beyond.
Click Here to Learn More about Vermont Grants Together we can make a difference. © 2026 First Children's Finance Website Design by MVP Marketing + Design © 2026 First Children's Finance Design by MVP Marketing + Design
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Child care providers in Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan (nonprofit and for-profit). Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $5,000 - $20,000 (grants), loans available Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.