MONTPELIER — The Vermont Community Loan Fund is now accepting applications for Building Bright Spaces for Bright Futures 2019 grants. The fund was created in 2002 by the Vermont legislature to increase the quantity and quality of childcare and early education programs in Vermont. Since 2006, the fund has awarded about $1.39 million in grants to 134 Vermont childcare programs, benefiting 4,085 Vermont children and their families.
The Bright Spaces grants can be used for assistance in starting, relocating, expanding or improving a Vermont childcare program’s facility and/or accessibility. Grants also may be used for real estate purchase, facility construction or renovation, as well as pre-development costs, interest rate subsidies and costs in meeting childcare licensing facility requirements.
Grant requests cannot exceed $15,000 or total more than 25 percent of the full project cost. Applications must be received by Aug. to be considered.
Priority will be give to programs that operate year-round and all day, serve infants and toddlers, and are seeking to expand.
Applications may be downloaded from www.investinvermont.org. Application information is available from VCLF at 802-223-4425 or [email protected].