New Grant Opportunity Aims to Boost Childcare Services in Marquette County

Posted by on April 21, 2025

MARQUETTE, MI — The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) is pleased to announce the launch of the Marquette County Childcare Provider Enhancement Grant, a new grant program designed to support existing childcare providers in Marquette County by expanding their capacity or enhancing the quality of care they provide. The program is made possible thanks to funding from the County of Marquette which allocated a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to help residents and businesses in Marquette County address childcare needs.  

This initiative compliments the ongoing Childcare SPARK program, which focuses on opening new childcare businesses. The Enhancement Grant is specifically designed to strengthen the work of current providers who are already serving at least four children who are not related to the owner(s) or operator(s) of the business. 

Eligible providers can apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding for projects that fall under one or more of these three key categories: 

  • Capacity Expansion: Projects that allow providers to serve more children or accommodate additional families—such as extending operating hours, purchasing equipment such as cribs or playground structures, or completing minor renovations to increase licensed capacity. 
  • Operational Efficiency: Efforts to streamline day-to-day operations by implementing or upgrading childcare management software, purchasing technology to aid in scheduling and safety, or automating manual administrative tasks. 
  • Educational Enhancements: Investments in curriculum materials, books, toys, and staff training to improve the overall learning environment and promote developmental growth for children. 

Priority points will be given to projects which expand capacity.  

“By investing in the providers who are already doing the work every day, we’re helping stabilize and grow the local childcare landscape,” said Christopher Germain, CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. “This grant is about enhancing quality, improving accessibility, and ensuring our families have the support they need to fully participate in the workforce that is essential to maintaining a vibrant local economy.” 

This is a reimbursement-based grant, and all projects must be completed and submitted for reimbursement by June 25, 2025. Additional time may be granted for complex projects on a case-by-case basis.  This has been designed to be a one-time program without future rounds of funding planned.  

Applications open Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and close on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Award decisions will be communicated by May 19, 2025. 

For the application and full eligibility details, visit: marquette.org/childcaregrant25 

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