Bright Futures Fund (BFF)
Be a BFF to Childcare. Supporting the providers who care for Grant County’s children, families, and workforce. Childcare providers: Your BFF is here — applications open Monday, August 17, 2026.
What Is the Bright Futures Fund?
The Bright Futures Fund (BFF) is the provider-grant component of GCDC’s countywide Bright Futures Childcare Initiative. It offers reimbursement-based grants of up to $5,000 per application to help Grant County childcare providers open, expand, and improve.
BFF grants help providers remain open, improve their businesses, and expand capacity — because every childcare provider needs a BFF. Free technical assistance is available to help you plan your project and complete your application.
Who Can Apply & How It Works
Licensed childcare centers. Licensed family or group daycares. Legally operating non-licensed in-home providers. Prospective providers preparing to open.
Award cap: $5,000 per application. Round One budget (2026): $50,000 — supporting up to 10 awards. Reimbursement-based: costs must be pre-approved in writing before they’re incurred. Free technical assistance is available to help you plan your project.
Funding Behind BFF
The Bright Futures Fund is made possible by a $75,000 award from the South Dakota Community Foundation, paid in three annual installments of $25,000 (2026–2028), plus funds raised through GCDC’s capital campaign.