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October 2026 NWKS Economic Innovation Center Childcare Multi-Purpose Grant Application

Childcare Multi-Purpose Grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • The facility must have a current KDHE license with no administrative orders. Priority is given to KDHE licensed family childcare homes, but childcare centers may also apply.
  • The facility must be designated as for-profit.
  • The facility must be located in Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Phillips, Smith, Jewell, Republic, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth or Saline Counties.
  • The facility must accept children from at least six weeks to six years of age. It is acceptable to accept children younger than six weeks of age.
  • The facility must serve at least six children (6 FTE). It is acceptable to count two part-time children as one full-time. The total count can include the provider’s own children that are included in their KDHE count.
  • The facility must be open five days a week, and at least 6 hours a day.
  • Grant award checks can only be made to the childcare facility (business) and not to an individual provider.

Applications that do not meet grant eligibility requirements will not be considered.


Childcare Multi-Purpose Grant funds CAN be used for the following:

  • Playground equipment (including substrate)
  • General childcare equipment
  • Furniture/appliances used in providing childcare services
  • Curriculum Childcare books & toys
  • Technology for childcare administrative uses
  • Online childcare management subscriptions
  • Gardening equipment/supplies if the garden is part of the facility early childhood curriculum and will be used in activities with the children.
  • Equipment storage
  • Safety equipment
  • First Aid supplies
  • Minor interior and exterior repairs to the facility include windows, doors, sidewalks, roof, fencing, outdoor play space, plumbing, and flooring.
  • Expenses involved in attaining a CDA.

The Childcare Multi-Purpose Grant funds CANNOT be used for the following:

  • Staff salary, bonuses, or benefits
  • Staff orientation/professional development expenses such as conferences, workshops, or college classes. The only exception is that funds may be used to offset expenses associated with attaining a CDA.
  • Staff mileage or meals
  • Operational expenses (food, utilities, rent/mortgage, taxes)
  • Computer or gaming consoles for child or adult use
  • Marketing or advertising
  • The upkeep or purchase of pets, pet supplies or pet vet expenses.

Usage falling outside the abovementioned categories requires pre-approval from the Childcare Program Specialist. The Childcare Program Specialist will have the option to approve or deny any expenditure.

Grant awards will not exceed $500 per facility. Grant checks will only be issued to the childcare business. Grant checks cannot be issued to the individual provider.
1.Childcare Facility Name: This is the facility name that will be listed as the payee on grant award checks. Grant checks will not be issued to individuals.(Required.)
2.Childcare Facility Mailing Address (Please include full mailing address including city and zip code):(Required.)
3.Applicant Contact Person:(Required.)
4.Applicant Contact Person Email:(Required.)
5.Applicant Contact Person Telephone:(Required.)
6.KDHE License Number:(Required.)
7.Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN) of business OR Social Security Number of Business Owner.(Required.)
8.Which KDHE license applies to your facility?(Required.)
9.Please list all counties to be served by the applying childcare facility.(Required.)
10.Please list the primary town(s) to be served by the applying childcare facility.(Required.)
11.How many full-time children do you serve at your facility?(Required.)
12.How many part-time children do you serve at your facility?(Required.)
13.How many infants (birth to 12 months) are served at your facility?(Required.)
14.How many infant slots are currently unfilled?(Required.)
15.How many infants are on the wait list?(Required.)
16.What is the weekly cost of care for infants?(Required.)
17.How many toddlers (13 months to 3 years) are served at your facility?(Required.)
18.How many toddler slots are currently unfilled?(Required.)
19.How many toddlers are on the wait list?(Required.)
20.What is the weekly cost of care for toddlers?(Required.)
21.How many preschoolers (3 years to School Age) does the facility currently serve?(Required.)
22.How many preschooler slots are currently unfilled?(Required.)
23.How many preschoolers are on the wait list?(Required.)
24.What is the weekly cost of care for preschoolers?(Required.)
25.How many school age children does the facility currently serve?(Required.)
26.How many school age slots are currently unfilled?(Required.)
27.How many school age children are on the wait list?(Required.)
28.What is the weekly cost of care for school-age children?(Required.)
29.Does the applying facility accept DCF assistance for low-income families?(Required.)
30.If the facility accepts DCF, does the assistance cover the cost of care?
31.Does the facility utilize the CACFP (food reimbursement) program?(Required.)
32.How many full time employees work at the childcare facility?(Required.)
33.What is the hourly rate of pay for new full-time employees?(Required.)
34.How many part-time employees work at the childcare facility?(Required.)
35.What is the hourly rate of pay for new part-time employees?(Required.)
36.Are you planning to retire or leave the childcare field in the next three years? If so, what is your reason for leaving or retiring?(Required.)
37.Does your facility provide health insurance benefits to your staff (and yourself)?(Required.)
38.In your opinion, what important barriers does your facility face in an effort to provide quality services?
39.Please upload at least one financial statement. Acceptable submissions include a balance sheet, income statement or a copy of the most recent tax return (first page only). The purpose of your financial statement is to verify your business status. The strength (or weakness) of your financial status does not determine your grant award. You may redact identifying account numbers on financial documents.
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40.What items will you purchase with this grant? Please provide a detailed list including: the name of the item, how the item will be used, price and vendor for each item. All items must be used in the operation of the childcare facility.(Required.)
41.What is the TOTAL amount of your grant request in dollars and cents? This grant may not exceed $500.(Required.)
42.By checking this box, the applicant agrees to provide information requested by the Innovation Center for the duration of the incentive period. This may include, but is not limited to at least one financial statement, employee and enrollment information. This is described in the official Innovation Center grant agreement. The Innovation Center reserves the right to discuss this grant application internally, understanding that all staff and board members have signed a confidentiality agreement.(Required.)
43.By entering my full legal name here, I warrant the truthfulness of the information provided in this application.(Required.)
Congratulations! You have now reached the end of the grant application. Every attempt will be made to notify grantees (by email) of application status no later than one month from the due date (May 25).
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