MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Research Institute at Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the receipt of its fourth Rural Facility Improvement Grant from the Ford Family Foundation, totaling $1,482,500. This funding will support ongoing efforts since 2021 to enhance capital improvements for child care providers in Douglas, Klamath, Lake, Coos, and Curry counties.
This grant addresses a crucial funding gap affecting early learning and care programs, particularly in rural areas. While Oregon provides funding for essential health and safety equipment, significant gaps remain for capital improvements. Many early learning programs operate as small businesses, lacking the financial resources for costly enhancements before opening or expanding. Financial support from this grant will assist providers looking to license new child care businesses, expand existing ones, or make necessary capital improvements.
Individual grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on project needs and program qualifications. Providers may reapply for the Rural Facility Improvement Grant every two years, contingent on funding availability. The Ford Family Foundation retains the discretion to waive this requirement in cases of significant need within programs.
“As we see a steady rise in applications from child care providers, it becomes increasingly vital to offer ongoing financial support,” said Betsy Paniagua Chavez, Bilingual Project Coordinator. “Many of these providers are long-term business owners seeking to maintain their current capacity rather than expand.”
Douglas County has emerged as the county with the highest number of grant applications, reflecting the pressing need for funding in the region.
A recent case illustrates the impact of this grant. A program operating for three years faced significant ventilation issues due to dated windows from 1979, which compromised both safety and comfort. The grant provided funds to replace all the home’s windows, significantly improving the environment for children and staff alike.
“This grant directly contributes to keeping child care programs operational, especially in child care deserts,” Paniagua Chavez added.
Funding from this grant will support various improvements, including:
Indoors
- Addressing heating, cooling, and ventilation issues
- Remediating lead paint and lead pipes
- Installing age-appropriate plumbing, including child-sized toilets and sinks
- Flooring and painting enhancements
- Mitigating water leaks and repairing fixed equipment
Outdoors
- Purchasing play equipment and creating sheltered outdoor areas
- Installing fencing and safety enclosures
- Improving outdoor surfaces with grass, cement, or decking
- The Research Institute remains committed to improving child care facilities and supporting the valuable work of providers in these communities.
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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.