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For Submittable tech support, click here.
To check the status of your applications or connect with your reviewer, log in to Submittable.
Have questions about the application or what projects are and aren’t eligible? IFF will be hosting monthly Technical Assistance (TA) sessions to support providers with submitting the application. These events are an opportunity to troubleshoot specific questions related to an application, and/or identify resources. These sessions are free and RSVP is required. Click on a session below to register.
Additional sessions will continue to be added.
Missed the previous sessions?
A full list of eligible and ineligible uses can be found here.
Check out this short webinar about leading practices for quality facilities
For additional questions, visit the Project Application FAQ.
Below are various templates and forms required, or to assist with completing the application.
Scope of Work – outlines the type of project, materials and services, timeline, and benchmarks for completing the project. This is required for the Phase II: Project Application. A sample Scope of Work is available here.
Information about required documents (deed, mortgage document, property tax statement, or other document showing ownership OR current lease showing 2+ years remaining and demonstrating a right to make changes to the building).
Legal Right to Make Changes Letter Template
Facility Assessment Checklist – IFF has provided a link to a Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Facility Assessment Checklist, which identifies the following issue areas integral to keeping young children safe and healthy in early learning spaces:
IFF encourages providers to use this checklist as a guide for understanding the most pressing issues impacting the quality of childcare facilities. Childcare providers too can use this as a self-assessment tool to understand their own strengths and gaps in facility quality.
Weekly office hours will be held to support Spanish and Arabic speaking providers submit the application. These sessions are free and RSVP is required. Click on a session below to register.
All documents are available in Spanish and Arabic from the links below:
For this grant, contractor refers to any tradesperson hired to complete project work including, but not limited to, project managers, general contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc. — and/or any third-party business where building supplies, classroom furniture, or other associated materials for the project are purchased (i.e. Home Depot).
Contractors are required for some projects and their information will need to be included in the Project Application.
LARA, the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, has provided access to a database of state licensed Vendors that providers can use when looking for tradespeople. The database is available at this link.
Click here for a list of registered contractors.
If your preferred contractor has not registered yet, they can do so here. This registration allows us to be able to pay the contractors for their work on your project.
Please note, contractors are not guaranteed to be available or willing to take on projects and CFMF FIF cannot make any recommendations or warranties of a Vendor’s work.
For more information, visit the Contractor FAQ or requirements for a contractor bid.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to include a business plan. While this is not a requirement to receive grant funding, we require you to commit to creating one within 6 months. This is because if you are selected to be audited by the State of Michigan in the future, you will need to have one.
First Children’s Finance – as part of Caring MI Future – offers FREE business planning support for new and expanding child care providers. Get connected with a business development specialist in your region by filling out this form.
For more information about Caring for MI Future visit https://www.michigan.gov/caringformifuture
