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Child Care Capacity Building Opportunity

“This project is made possible by funding the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received through Nebraska Legislative Bill 1014: appropriation of funds allocated to the State of Nebraska from the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, 42 U.S.C. 802.”

RFP Required Information and Forms

Below are the links for the Proposal Summary Form, Request for Proposal Information and Funds Request Form.  All information will need to be completed and sent, preferably in one PDF, to c4kinfo@nebraskachildren.org on or before Friday, March 24th at 5:00pm CST / 4:00 MST.  

Proposal Summary Form

Request for Proposal

Funds Request Form

 

Información y formularios requeridos por RFP

A continuación se encuentran los enlaces para el formulario de resumen de la propuesta, la solicitud de información de la propuesta y el formulario de solicitud de fondos. Toda la información deberá completarse y enviarse, preferiblemente en un PDF, a c4kinfo@nebraskachildren.org el viernes 24 de marzo o antes a las 5:00 p. m. CST / 4:00 MST

Seminario web de ARPA en 

​​​​​​​Formulario de resumen de propuesta

Solicitud de propuesta

Formulario de solicitud de fondos

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is this different than the DHHS business grant?
    • This is funded through the Nebraska Legislative Bill 1014 which is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
    • We strongly recommend applying for both as the ARPA funds can pay for major construction while the business grant can fun non-construction purchases for expansion

                              https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Care-and-Development-Fund-Grant-Opportunities.aspx

  • Can I apply if I have already applied for the DHHS Business grant?
    • Yes, we just ask that you be mindful to not double bill in the process
  • What if I can’t get a pre-inspection in time for the application?
    • You can still apply, but funding is not guaranteed.  If selected, TA staff will follow-up on pre-inspection information before contract would be issued.  
  • Can I apply if I only rent/lease my building?
    • Yes! Please just make sure you have approval from the building owner before applying
  • Can I buy property with this funding?
    • No, but you can build on already purchased land or renovate a currently owned property
  •  Can I use these funds to build a storm shelter?
    • If the storm shelter is needed to expand your licensed capacity, yes!
  • What are the funding amounts I can apply for
    • Project will increase by / Maximum Contract Amounts
      • 2-12 Children  /  Up to $50,000
      • 13-24 Children  /  Up to $135,000
      • 25-50 Children  /  Up to $200,000
      • 51-75 Children  /  Up to $250,000
      • 75+ Children  /  Up to $300,000

                

  • Can I purchase hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies with this funding?
    • No, however there are other funding opportunities that will cover these.
  • How long does the proposal need to be?
    • The proposal needs to include the proposal summary form and a maximum of 4 pages for the proposal of your project, can include one additional page if applying for multiple projects and include the budget form as well.  
  • Who do I reach out to with further questions?
    • C4Kinfo@nebraskachildren.org
  • Do I need a Unique Identification Number (UNI)?
    • No, this grant is not requiring you to have a UNI
  • Can I apply if I am only expanding capacity by 2 spots?
    • Yes, if you are moving from a Family Home I to a Family Home II that expands capacity by 2 spots and would qualify for $50,000.
  • Can I use the funds to remodel my garage and part of my house to expand capacity?
    • Agency documentation that indicates a need for minor renovation in order to expand licensed capacity or start-up a new license will need to be included with your application.  (example - information from appropriate agency(ies) on letterhead or an official document stating that the remodel is necessary for expansion)
  • Can I apply for funds to reopen my Family Home II, since it is on hold right now?
    • No, you must show capacity expansion of your current license to apply for funds.
  • Does this include new construction, i.e. a new building on currently owned land or addition to a current building?
    • Yes!
  • Can this funding be used on a preschool program?
    • No, you must be able to show that you can be open full-day, full-year, for the 0-5 year old population
  • Do I have to have a Fire Marshall come in for a pre-inspection?
    • We strongly advise that you have your plans approved by the Fire Marshall before you continue with your application
  • Do programs that will be following Rule 11 qualify for these funds?
    • Yes, as long as you are expanding your capacity and will be licensed for child care through DHHS
  • Can I use the funds to purchase a building to start a child care center?
    • No, we cannot use these funds for purchasing a building or plot of land
  • For remodels, do plans need to have prior approval from licensing with DHHS?
    • If you are a Family home provider and need to remodel to increase licensed capacity or start up a new license, you will need to have information documented from DHHS licensing (on official letterhead or a documentation form from them) providing details about the need. 
  • If we are a new center not yet open, but looking to open June 2023 can we still qualify?
    • No, you must be expanding/opening during the contract period of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024