Bright Futures Fund
Investing in the people who care for Grant County's youngest residents. Supporting local childcare providers with resources that strengthen their businesses, improve the quality of care, and expand access to childcare throughout Grant County.
Strong Childcare Builds Strong Communities
Reliable childcare isn't just a family concern — it's a workforce and economic-development issue. When parents can't find childcare they trust, they can't fully participate in the workforce, and local employers feel the impact.
The Bright Futures Fund was created to strengthen Grant County's childcare infrastructure by investing directly in the local providers who care for children and families every day.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Grants can go toward a range of improvements that help providers operate safely, grow sustainably, and serve more families.
Facility Improvements
Safety upgrades, repairs, furnishings, equipment, outdoor play areas, and improvements to childcare environments.
Program & Learning Materials
Educational materials, curriculum resources, toys, classroom equipment, and age-appropriate learning tools.
Provider Development
Training, certifications, professional development, technical assistance, and business support.
Health & Safety
Safety equipment, security improvements, sanitation equipment, and other eligible health or safety investments.
Business Sustainability
Tools or resources that help providers improve operations, efficiency, capacity, and long-term sustainability.
Childcare Capacity
Investments that help existing providers retain or potentially expand available childcare slots.
Is Your Childcare Program Eligible?
Ready to Apply?
Start Your ApplicationFrom Application to Funded Project
Review Eligibility
Confirm your childcare program meets Bright Futures Fund eligibility requirements.
Get Pre-Approval
Costs must be pre-approved in writing before they're incurred — free technical assistance is available to help you plan your project.
Complete Your Application
Tell us about your program and your proposed project using the online application.
Put Your Grant to Work
Complete your approved project, then submit documentation for reimbursement of up to $5,000.
An Investment That Reaches Far Beyond Childcare
Bright Futures isn't a charitable grant program — it's a strategic workforce and community-development investment.
Children
Quality environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Families
Reliable childcare that allows parents to remain in the workforce.
Employers
A stronger and more dependable local workforce.
Communities
Improved ability to attract and retain working families in Grant County.
Funding at a Glance
Ready to Invest in Your Childcare Program?
Supporting childcare providers strengthens families, employers, and communities throughout Grant County.
Questions? Contact GCDCTraci E Stein, CEDFP
Executive Director, Grant County Development Corporation
grantcountydevelopment@gmail.com
1001 East 4th Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252
Office: 605-438-4232 · Cell: 605-237-9491