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Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore.—The Research Institute at Western Oregon University announced that it has been awarded the Rural Early Learning Facility Improvement Grant from the Ford Family Foundation to continue its vital work in enhancing capital improvements for childcare providers across Douglas, Klamath, Lake, Coos, and Curry counties. This grant marks a significant continuation of efforts that began in 2021.
The Ford Family Foundation first awarded a grant of $257,500, which was active from December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2023. A second grant of $500,000 was awarded for the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, followed by a third grant of $275,000 for December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. To date, 40 programs have benefited from this funding.
This grant addresses a critical funding gap for early learning and care programs, particularly in rural areas of Oregon. While funding exists for basic health and safety equipment required by licensing, significant gaps remain for capital improvements. Many early learning and care programs operate as small businesses without the financial means to afford necessary upgrades before opening or expanding.
The grant provides essential financial support for new childcare businesses seeking licensing, existing providers looking to expand, or programs that need to make capital improvements. Individual grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on project needs and program qualifications.
“We are seeing a steady increase in applications from providers who want to maintain their capacity and improve their facilities,” said Betsy Paniagua Chavez, bilingual project coordinator. “Last year, we supported a program that had been in operation for 11 years but faced closure due to a bathroom water leak. Thanks to this funding, we were able to finance their bathroom remodel, allowing them to keep their doors open.”
The grant enables funding for various improvements, including:
Indoors:
- Heating, cooling, and ventilation issues
- Remediation of lead paint and pipes
- Installation of child-sized plumbing and handwashing stations
- Flooring and painting
- Water leak mitigation
- Fixed equipment such as washers and stoves
Outdoors:
- Purchase of play equipment
- Creation of outdoor areas with protection from the elements
- Fencing and hazard enclosures
- Surface improvements
Grants like this are crucial for childcare providers, especially in areas identified as childcare deserts, ensuring they can continue to operate and provide quality care to families in need.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
