The Patterson Family Foundation Childcare Grant Program is designed to support new and existing childcare providers in rural areas of Kansas and western Missouri, specifically counties with populations under 50,000. The fund offers significant investment to enhance the availability, quality, and affordability of early childhood education and care. Grants may support capacity expansion, facility improvements, and efforts to make childcare more accessible to working families.

The program funds center-based and home-based providers that serve children from birth to five years. However, projects related to Pre-K, Kindergarten, after-school, or summer programs are not eligible. School district-based centers must obtain school board pre-approval if they are proposing a new center. Home-based providers must apply through a community foundation or nonprofit sponsor.

Grant awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are offered through two competitive rounds in 2025. The process begins with submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the Foundation’s Grants Portal. Registration is required to access the portal and must be completed in advance of the LOI deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit LOIs early to allow adequate time for full proposal development, if invited.

Key Dates – 2025 Grant Cycle:
Round 1:

Launch: April 1, 2025 (12:00 PM CST)

LOI Deadline: April 18, 2025 (12:00 PM CST)

Full Application Due: May 9, 2025

Funding Decisions: August 2025

Round 2:

Launch: April 19, 2025

LOI Deadline: July 3, 2025 (12:00 PM CST)

Full Application Due: July 25, 2025

Funding Decisions: October 2025

The application process is rigorous and includes a due diligence review, but applicants should note that participation does not guarantee funding. All grant commitments are confirmed only by formal award letter.

Applicants needing support can reserve one-on-one “Office Hours” with Foundation staff by emailing Sasha Winterowd at sasha.winterowd@pffkc.org, providing contact information and up to three discussion questions.

For technical support or application questions, organizations may also contact the Foundation at info@pffkc.org.