The Spring Child Care Stabilization Grant Application Process Now Open

Now through May 26 apply for funding to help your childcare facility.

All Michigan childcare providers can apply for a Child Care Stabilization Grant starting March 22. Every eligible provider will receive a base award starting at $2,000 for family home providers, $3,000 for group homes, and $4,000 for centers. Grants also include up to $1,000 bonuses for each full-time and part-time staff member.

These grants are another opportunity to help stabilize childcare businesses, expand access to care, lower the cost for working families and support early childhood educators. Even if you applied for and received a grant in the Fall, you must submit a separate application for the Spring and provide a report on how you spent your funding.

If you are considering applying for the Spring Child Care Stabilization Grant to help bolster your childcare business, but don’t know where to start or have reliable internet access. We can help.  

Hope Starts Here, Marygrove-Starfish Early Childhood Center and Brilliant Detroit are partnering to ensure you have the support you need to apply for the grant. If you need assistance in accessing a working laptop/and or support completing the application process, contact Maria Montoya at 313.770.7057 or email mmontoya@brilliantdetroit.orgto schedule an appointment. Locate your closest Brilliant Detroit location at https://brilliantdetroit.org/. 

Starting April 12, providers can also utilize Marygrove Education Center during the following hours: 

Tuesday: Noon to 2:00 p.m. 
Wednesday:  Noon to 2:00 p.m. 
Thursday: Noon to 2:00 p.m.  or   5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

Marygrove’s Learning Lab is located on the campus at 8425 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221. A member of the Hope Starts Here team will be available to assist you during these hours. 

What is the Childcare Stabilization Grant?

The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a $700 million investment in childcare providers across Michigan. The Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant for childcare providers to help stabilize operations and support the health and safety of children and staff.  View the  Child Care Stabilization Grant Presentation for more details about the grant.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Licensed childcare centers
  • Licensed family homes and group homes
  • Tribal-based childcare
  • Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and 21st CCLC programs that also provide tuition-based child care  (see FAQ for full definition of requirements)
  • Eligible applicants must also:
    • Be open and available to provide childcare services on the date of application OR be temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These grants are non-competitive, meaning every eligible childcare provider that submits a complete application will receive a grant award. Read the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the Child Care Stabilization Grant.

The application process is very easy. Hear what Laurie Clark-Horton from LACC Child Care Academy had to say about the ease of applying.

How Can the Funds Be Used?

What to Do Before Beginning the Application

  • Get a SIGMA number. If you participated in the Child Care Relief Fund, your application will be prepopulated with the SIGMA number. This number creates an account with the State and is required for to pay your grant. If haven’t received a grant award before, you’ll need to set up an account with the state to get paid. Visit SIGMA VSS or call If you need assistance, please call 888-734-9749.  You can also email the SIGMA Help Desk.

Please be aware that these grants are considered taxable income, so consult your tax advisor for advice on your unique situation and to determine how much you may need to pay in taxes.

Last fall, the Legislature passed, and Governor Whitmer signed a budget that includes over $700 million in grant funding to support childcare providers like you. These funds are available to help keep your doors open and focus on what matters most-supporting kids and families.

For more information visit, the Spring Michigan Child Care Stabilization Grant.

Applications are being accepted through May 26, 2022. Funding will be released beginning June 20, 2022.

Posted on March 23rd, 2022 | View All Posts