How to Write a Grant for Child Care
Many parents and other child caregivers have considered the possibility of opening up some kind of child care facility. The scope of the ideas range from a micro-business like a neighborhood day care center for a handful of local children to major child-care facilities added on to churches, schools or government agency or larger business workplaces. Starting a child care program requires a good deal of planning in terms of both logistics and legalities and financing, and federal, state or local grant programs can be important sources of funding.
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Instructions
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Gain the experience and credentials necessary to successfully run a child care facility like the one you are proposing to open, or plan to co-write grant applications with someone who has these credentials. Whether applicants have the appropriate experience and credentials is one of the first things funders look at when assessing grant applications.
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Include and highlight all special circumstances surrounding your grant application. Mention the fact that it is a minority- or women-owned business, or is located in a low-income area. These special circumstances almost always add extra points in assessing a grant application. This is especially true for government grants at all levels.
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Follow the the grant application instructions exactly. Do not deviate from the instructions in any way, especially length. Submitting sections of a grant application that are longer than the limits given is disrespectful and can even be grounds for disqualification of your application. Many applications will have a section at the end for supporting documents and addenda, so include any extra materials there.
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Use a professional tone throughout the application. Do not lapse into informal language, and do not wheedle or beg for funding. Funders are legally and ethically required to award grants on the merits of the application and not personal factors.
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Consider using the services of a professional grant writer, especially if you are new to grant writing. The investment of a few hundred dollars can result in a more professional grant application, with a greater chance of getting funded.
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