NORTON, Kan. – July 13, 2026 – The Innovation Center recently awarded a total of $60,476 in grant funding to support for-profit childcare facilities across Northwest Kansas, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to strengthening childcare access and supporting the regional workforce.
“Through this initiative, we are providing support to childcare facilities that rarely receive grant support,” said Dana Jo Stanton, Innovation Center Childcare Program Specialist. “Supporting our current childcare facilities and staff members helps stabilize the childcare workforce, which helps parents, children and the community.”
Quality, accessible and affordable childcare is vital to the economic health of the region. Through two grant programs, the Innovation Center provides funding to help childcare facilities retain staff, meet operational needs and continue serving families in their communities. Similar grant opportunities for non-profit childcare facilities are available through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
- A total of 12 facilities received staff retention grants totaling $33,816.
- In addition, 54 facilities received multi-purpose grants totaling $26,660.
- Combined, the two grant programs awarded $60,476 to childcare providers throughout the region.
Grants were awarded to childcare facilities in Cloud, Ellis, Ellsworth, Graham, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Saline, Smith, Thomas and Trego Counties.
“Keeping quality childcare staff is so important, but it can also be one of the biggest challenges. The Staff Retention Grant helps recognize the hard work and dediction of those who choose to stay and continue caring for children. I’m very grateful to the Innovation Center for offering this opportunity and supporting childcare providers. The biggest impact on a child’s day is the person caring for them and that deserves to be valued,” said Jennifer Ode, Owner of Smart Start Daycare in Russell, KS.
The grant funding is part of the Innovation Center’s ongoing work to support childcare providers and address the childcare challenges impacting families, employers and communities across Northwest Kansas. By investing in existing providers, the Innovation Center aims to help stabilize the childcare system and ensure families have acces to the care they need. A second round of grant funding will be available again in the fall.
For more information about Innovation Center childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at 785-875-5150 or danajstanton@nwkeici.org.
