Caring for MI Future:
Facilities Improvement Fund

Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund is a grant program to distribute $50 million to new and expanding child care education providers across the State of Michigan in order to renovate and upgrade their child care facilities to accommodate additional child care slots, especially in geographic areas with limited providers.

The Grant Guidelines (download in ENGLISH, SPANISH, ARABIC) include detailed information about what the grant is, who is eligible, how to apply, what the money can be used for, and more. Please review the guidelines before applying.

$40.8 million requested | $17.7 million awarded
1,092 Pre-Qualifications approved | 1,155 Project Applications approved

Who is eligible?

Licensed early child care providers located in the State of Michigan who are one of the following:

• Newly licensed providers whose licenses have been issued on or after May 1, 2022
• Existing providers who have expanded their licensed capacity as of May 1, 2022
• Existing providers who are currently in the process of expanding their licensed capacity
• Licensed family child care homes or group child care homes with an approved capacity variance from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Applicant must provide proof of ownership (deed) or a lease showing at least 2 years of occupancy remaining as well as the legal right to make changes to the physical building, and have no current licensing infractions. Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) may be eligible if they also provide tuition-based child care.

For new providers, Our Strong Start offers pre-licensure and start up grants as well as guidance, technical assistance, and other resources.

How do I apply?

The following documents will be required to complete the application:

• Contact information
• 990, Tax ID or EIN
• License information
• Great Start to Quality Rating (if applicable)
• Address
• Business Plan or Operating Budget
• Proof of General Liability Insurance
• Proof of Property Insurance
• Deed or Property tax showing ownership OR Lease with 2+ years remaining showing a right to make changes to the building.
• Information of licensed capacity and enrollment

If you have questions about applications, eligibility, or projects, you can contact IFF at programs@iff.org or you can contact your local resource center.

About Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund:

Quality education for kids 0-5 years old is essential to the vitality of communities and safe and healthy spaces are a crucial part of this. Early child care providers across the State of Michigan deserve quality spaces to offer high quality programs, yet finding the money to make necessary facility improvements is a challenge.

IFF, a mission-driven lender, developer, and real estate consultant, received $50 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, awarded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as part of the Caring for MI Future initiative. Caring for MI Future is a $100 million investment that will help more Michigan families find quality, affordable child care in their community by opening 1,000 new, or expanded, child care programs by the end of 2024.

IFF is committed to increasing access to high-quality early childhood education for all children by creating and supporting safe and inspiring spaces, especially in communities where it is most needed. We partner with early childhood providers, government, philanthropy, and local stakeholders to strengthen early childhood education programs across the Midwest.

Visit the resources page to learn more about the importance of quality child care facilities.