Applications open for the bipartisan $365 million grant program to support childcare businesses and deliver $1,000 bonuses to thousands of childcare professionals.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the second round of the Child Care Stabilization Grant program, which will distribute $365 million to give every full-time childcare professional a $1,000 retention bonus and keep childcare programs open and serving kids.
“I remember how valuable any bit of childcare was when my girls were young. Today, I’m fighting to make sure every family has access to quality, affordable childcare that meets their needs,” said Governor Whitmer.
“That starts with making sure our local childcare businesses can stay open and pay their staff a living wage. I’m proud that we are getting things done for young Michiganders, childcare professionals, and small businesses. With this investment, we will continue growing Michigan’s economy and making our communities stronger.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist added, “As a father, I know how important childcare is for countless families across Michigan. That is why it is so important to thank and support the childcare professionals who step up for Michigan communities every day. These stabilization grants are investments that suport families and will make our communities stronger. Governor Whitmer and I will continue to work hard to help Michiganders access affordable, high-quality childcare.”
The Child Care Stabilization Grants are available to Michigan’s approximately 8,000 licensed childcare programs. This funding was included in the governor’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget that included game-changing investments in childcare and delivered on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small business.
In January, nearly 6,000 childcare providers received funding from the first round of Child Care Stabilization grants and 38,000 childcare professionals received bonuses.
These grants saved small businesses and kept families working in every county. The Century Foundation estimates that to date grants from the Child Care Stabilization Fund and other childcare investments from ARPA saved 3,567 childcare programs and 135,795 slots in Michigan.
“I live in a rural area with only three licensed childcare programs. My children are older teens and I’ve thought about closing my daycare because financially I can make more money almost anywhere,” said Jennifer Lundquist, owner of a home-based childcare program in Nashville, Michigan. Receiving this grant allowed me to keep tuition low for families and save money to keep the daycare open when families in our community have very few options.”
“This grant has been so helpful to our center,” said Molly Denman, owner of Wee Folk Child Care Center in Rockford. “It has allowed us to continue to offer health benefits to our staff, a benefit we were planning on cutting to save costs. It has also allowed us to recognize staff that work a physically and emotionally exhaustive job. We have been able to make updates and repairs to our building, as well, as purchase materials and supplies in order to continue to provide a developmentally appropriate program.”
The Child Care Stabilization Grant application is now open. Licensed childcare providers are eligible and should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to confirm eligibility, review frequently asked questions, and apply. The application will be open until May 26, 2022. This is a noncompetitive grant. All eligible applicants will receive funding. Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.
The Child Care Stabilization Grant is part of a $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for Michigan families. To learn more about how these dollars are delivering for Michigan families visit Michigan.gov/childcare.
Did you know? One in three Michigan children are eligible for low or no cost childcare. Families must be working or going to school and meet income requirements to qualify. Visit Michigan.gov/childcare to learn more and apply today.
