Frequent Asked Questions
Application open February 19th - March 22nd 2024
Applying for the grant does not guarantee funding
When must applications be received?
Application must be received or postmarked by March 22, 2024.
If I received funding through the Start-up and Expansion grant in 2023, can I reapply for funding in 2024?
Yes, you can apply, but funding is not guaranteed.
If you received any financial grants that exceed $5,000 in the last two years (2021-2023), you will be asked to provide additional information in your application.
If I received funding through the Start-up and Expansion grant in 2023, when can I expect to receive my 1099 tax form?
Western Oregon University mailed out 1099 tax forms on February 23, 2024.
If I recently open a Licensed Child Care program, Am I elegible to apply for this grant?
Providers who became licensed on or after January 1, 2024 are elegible to apply for the Start-Up Grant.
What other requirements are there?
Unlicensed and license exempt programs are also required to have already started the initial steps toward becoming licensed.
Unlicensed applicants applying for Registered Family child care must include their Introduction to Registered Family (IRF) Part Two certificate (Provided by CCR&R upon completion)
New certified family or certified center applicants must include their Precertification Consultation Form provided to them by a CCLD Licensing Specialist before funding is disbursed.
How will programs be selected for funding?
TRI's Start-Up and Expansion Grant internal team will review and score the applications based on a rubric table.
If an application meets the requirements, scores high enough, and funding is available, the applicant will be selected to receive funding. Applying for the grant does not guarantee funding.
How will I know if I'm selected te receive funds?
The Start-Up and Expansion internal team will review the applications in March 2024 and select candidates to receive funds.
Applicants who are selected will be notified April-May of 2024.
The programs not selected will also be notified.
How do programs receive payment?
If selected, participants will have 20 business days to submit a WOU substitute W-9 in order to receive payment.
You will receive information on where to access and how to submit this form after your application is approved. Please note that payments could take 6-8 weeks to receive.
Required Documentation to complete application.
If currently unlicensed and working to become a Registered Family provider, applicants must complete the Introduction to Registered Family Part One and Part Two training and submit a copy of the Part Two certificate with the application.
What expenditures or purchases are not allowed with this grant?
• Capital improvements (permanent structural change to property)
• Sectarian materials (religious materials)
• Personal use not related to program improvements
• Reimbursement for previously expended expenses.
How can participants use grant funds?
Examples of what grant funds could be used for:
• Staff wages
• Professional development training
• Health and safety improvements
• Insurance costs
• Expenses of additional classrooms or locations
• Expenses related to changing license types and/or hiring staff to serve more children
• Outdoor child care spaces
• Accessibility improvements such as ramps, rails, automatic doors
• Furnishings, equipment, or supplies related to business start-up, expansion, and operations
• Services such as management, accounting, marketing, and transportation
• Licensing fees
• Zoning and city/county fees
• Appliance replacements
• Expenses related to starting a child care business (e.g. fees, equipment, building modifications)
• New equipment to allow additional age groups where there is a high need (e.g. infants)
• Initial rent or lease payments
• Training, professional development, or educational materials
• Computers, software, printers, or other technology related to business functions
Should participants keep receipts of grant-related purchases?
Yes, funded programs should keep receipts for at least seven years in the event of an audit to verify how the funds were used.
Will participants be expected to complete a final report?
No, however, they may be asked to participate in evaluations and surveys throughout the grant cycle.
If a participant doesn't have access to a computer, how can they submit the application?
Paper applications are available upon request.
Email us: Startup@mail.wou.edu
Call: (503) 838-8525.
Additionally, CCR&R representatives can help applicants submit their applications electronically.