Application open for Rural Child Care Innovation Program

Through generous funding from the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families, First Children's Finance is pleased to offer the Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP), an innovative community engagement process designed to address the challenges of child care in rural America.

We know that child care is an economic driver for rural communities across the United States and many communities are facing shortages of high-quality child care. While many communities have child care shortages, only some are ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on the journey to address this critical community issue.

Applicants can include a single city, a cluster of small towns, a school district, or a single county. The Twin Cities, Fargo-Moorhead, Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud metro areas are excluded as applicants. Preference is given to truly rural communities.

Applications for Round 1 are NOW OPEN through October 25, 2024 at 5pm CST. Click here to access the program application.

First Children's Finance is hosting an informational webinar about RCCIP on October 10, 2024 at 12pm CST. Register via Zoom here.