Early Care and Education Grant Program
SMIF recognizes that high-quality early learning spaces prepare children to enter school ready to succeed, building the foundation for lifelong learning and strengthening the long-term wellbeing and resilience of communities across our region. SMIF is seeking proposals of up to $20,000 that enhance the quality of early learning environments for children birth to age five.
Proposals will be prioritized that demonstrate community partnership and coordination and a plan for equitable access and affordability. Additionally, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate a clear understanding of local need, identify who is currently underserved and describe how the proposed project will reduce barriers, increase participation and/or improve access to high-quality Early Childhood environments. Project examples include equity-centered projects to increase access, educator professional development, curriculum and instructional quality, family partnership and homeschool connection and wellbeing and mental health.
This grant is currently closed.
Check out this short video for essential Early Care and Education Grant information:
Timeline
Application opens: September 8, 2026
Application due: October 6, 2026 (staff available for questions until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 6)
Notification: November 18, 2026
Final report due: 60 days following the grant period
Questions?
Heidi Coulter, Director of Early Childhood
Email: heidic@smifoundation.org
Margaret Radel, Early Childhood Project and Grants Coordinator
Email: margaretr@smifoundation.org
In the news
SMIF awards $279,800 to support the success of young children
SMIF recently approved $279,800 for 22 Early Childhood projects that will support early care and education services in SMIF’s 20-county region.
Early Care & Education Grant Spotlight: Faribault Public Schools
In 2023, Faribault Public Schools utilized a SMIF Early Care and Education Grant to fund ECFE on the Go, a program to ready children for kindergarten.
SMIF awards $248K to support essential services for young children
SMIF recently approved $248,275 for 24 Early Childhood projects that will support early care and education services, impacting more than 5,884 young children.
Early Care & Education Grant Spotlight: Byron Community Education
In 2023, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded a $5,000 Early Care and Education Grant to Byron Community Education for programming and resources to help staff, parents and children with managing their emotions.
Early Care & Education Grant Spotlight: New Ulm ECFE
In 2022, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded a $14,000 Early Care and Education Grant to New Ulm ECFE. The grant was used on a variety of projects, including a mobile ECFE program and training on how to keep calm around challenging behavior.
Early Care & Education Grant Spotlight: YWCA Mankato
SMIF awarded a $10,000 Early Care and Education Grant to YWCA Mankato in 2023. The grant was used to enhance outreach efforts from YWCA to overcome barriers that their families often face.
SMIF awards $194,255 in grants to support essential services for young children
SMIF recently approved 18 grants through its Early Care and Education Grant program impacting more than 2,600 young children. This program helps fund early care and education services for children birth to age five.
SMIF awards $220,818 in Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants
3,562 young children were supported through the latest round of Early Care and Education Grants.
