Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications for Early Care and Education Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Early Care and Education Grant program. This program will help fund early care and education services for children birth to age five. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and tribal government that provide these services in SMIF’s 20-county region are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.
Funding from this grant can help cover social, emotional, physical and mental health supports, training and development to operate and address the needs of young children and other activities necessary to maintain the services in early care and education prioritizing the needs of underserved groups. Applicants must serve children birth to age five. Projects are encouraged to support diverse and traditionally underserved populations.
“We are grateful to once again support organizations that provide these services,” shared Rae Jean Hansen, vice president of Early Childhood. “Their work is fundamental to the wellbeing and growth of young children in our region.”
Applications are due to SMIF by November 5, 2025 before 2 p.m. For the application and guidelines, visit smifoundation.org/earlycaregrant. Contact Margaret Radel, Early Childhood project and grants coordinator, with questions at margaretr@smifoundation.org or 507-214-7017.
