The Wyoming Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant Program.
Donor Name: Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF)
State: Wyoming
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
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.
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.
Funding Information
More than one award is anticipated; thus, requests must not exceed $20,000.00 per applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be located in high need/low access areas of Wyoming.
- 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.
Ineligibility
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.
For more information, visit WYCF.
