City Subscriptions

1200 Fund now accepting applications for its Tiny Steps Child Care Grant

[DULUTH, MN] The Duluth 1200 Fund has dedicated $200,000 of funding to the Tiny Steps Child Care Grant for childcare businesses within the Duluth city limits that are looking to start up a childcare business or expand existing child care services.

This one-time grant funding opportunity will vary based on license types: $5,000 grants for licensed family-based and special family child care programs, and $10,000 for licensed center-based programs. Applications are being accepted through  August 25, 2025. These grants are intended to provide immediate financial assistance to childcare businesses in need of supportive funding, or in jeopardy of diminishing their childcare services provision.

“As a mom, city councilor, and community leader, I know that access to quality childcare is essential for working families and Duluth’s economic vitality,” says Fourth District City Councilor and 1200 Fund board member Tara Swenson.  “I’m incredibly proud of the Tiny Steps Child Care Grant and the work we’ve done as a board at the Duluth 1200 Fund. While this is a small step toward addressing a much larger challenge in our community, we knew we needed to step in and help support the providers and families who keep Duluth moving forward”.

The Duluth 1200 Fund, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c3 organization. Information about the program, eligibility guidelines, reporting requirements, and application can be found at 1200fund.com.

###