Wyoming Child Care Provider Start-Up Grant is a grant from the Wyoming Department of Family Services that funds new and expanding child care providers working toward licensing in Wyoming. The program aims to increase the number of available child care slots for Wyoming families, particularly in underserved communities experiencing child care shortages.

Eligible activities include equipment purchases, facility improvements, and other startup costs necessary to open or expand a licensed child care program serving children from birth through school age. Eligible applicants are new or expanding child care providers in Wyoming committed to obtaining licensure through the Department of Family Services. Awards are up to $20,000.

Childcare Start-Up Grant | Wyoming Community Foundation Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant Applications are now closed, announcements of awards will be made in April 2026. Thank you for applying! The purpose of this funding is to increase the number of childcare slots available for Wyoming families in high-need communities 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. The application will close at 11:59 PM on March 1, 2026.

Announcements of awards will be made in April. Applicants must be located in high need/low access areas of Wyoming . (Zip codes will be used to determine eligibility in the application).

Applicants must be licensed, working toward licensure, or must accept childcare subsidies. Applicants may be nonprofit or for-profit entities. Applicants not previously awarded childcare start-up funds in 2025.

Priority will be given to: Childcare business start-ups in a designated high-need area. New/start-up businesses that 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. Existing providers looking to expand capacity and enrollment in a designated high-need area.

Childcare businesses accepting or planning to accept childcare subsidies. Childcare businesses with business plans. Other applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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 that are here for YOU.

We HIGHLY encourage you to access these services prior to applying: 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. Participation is mandatory for awardees.

More than one award is anticipated; thus, requests must not exceed $20,000. 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 Replacing entry and exit doors and/or related hardware (e.g., doorknobs) 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 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 Backfilling revenue shortfalls Please contact Micah Richardson ( Micah@wycf.

org ) with questions. View a Sample Application Mission: Connecting people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00-5:00 Address: 1472 N.

5th Street, Suite 201 Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.