• 26-27 Hurricane Impact Disaster Mini Grants for Sarasota County Child Care Providers

    26-27 Hurricane Impact Disaster Mini Grants for Sarasota County Child Care Providers

    All applications must be received no later than October 9, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

  • Provider Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Provider Type (check all that apply)*

  • Eligibility Criteria

     

  • Was your child care program actively operating (not newly established) on or before September 28, 2022 (Hurricane Ian)?*
  • Is your program a licensed/registered/exempt center or family childcare home located in Sarasota County?*
  • In the past five years from this date of application, have you had an ELC Sarasota contract terminated for cause and eligibility revoked?*
  • Is your program currently under investigation or previously been convicted of child care fraud?*
  • Has your program had a Class 1 Department of Children and Families (DCF/Local) violation in the past two years as of this date of application?*

  • Finance Information

  • In order for the ELC Sarasota to process and issue grant funding, you will be required to upload financial documents. Please ensure all submitted information is complete & accurate and includes all required documentation.

    Programs that do not provide these documents will not be eligible for the mini grants.

  • Upload current W9 below. Please upload the most recent edition (revised March 2024 form). A link is provided below.

    Please make sure all information is accurate, complete, and form is signed.

    (Click here for a blank W9 form)

     

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  • All funds will be deposited directly into your business bank account.

    In order for ELC Sarasota to complete this process, you must upload a voided check and one of the following forms:  

    • Bank generated direct deposit form 
    • ELC Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization (Direct Deposit) Form
      (click here to download) 
      • Click "Tab" to move through the required fields on the form. 
      • Download the file to sign. 
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  • Direct Deposit Upload
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  • Mini Grant Opportunities

  • The three grant opportunities listed below are available to eligible child care programs to strengthen business practices, improve emergency preparedness, and enhance the quality of services to children and families.

    Providers may apply for one or all grants.

    All expenditure documentation for each grant opportunity awarded (receipts and/or paid invoices) to the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County within 15 calendar days of receipt of goods and services, with a hard deadline of June 30, 2027.

    The examples and resources provided within each grant offer guidance on items/services that can be purchased with the funds. 

  • Please Select One or All Mini Grants*

  • Technology Mini Grant will be used in accordance with the following guidelines:

    • Purchase equipment,
    • software and supplies to enhance business practices,
    • emergency readiness and safety protocols.

    Examples:

    • Purchase and/or Upgrade Child Care Management system, Staffing, and Business Communications software: 
        • Constant Contact 
        • Microsoft Office  
        • Tandem Childcare Staffing 
        • Canva 
        • Bright Wheel 
        • Procare
        • Indeed
    • Website development or upgrade.
    • Direct Communication items (walkie-talkies, intercom, phones, radios, automated text messaging services)
    • IT and Internet services
    • Computers, Laptops, Tablets
    • Security System (video surveillance, cameras, alarms)

  • Prepare Your Children Mini Grant will be used for materials and resouces that directly support children in your program. 

    Examples: 

    Weather-related storm kits
    Weather-related, trauma-informed/social emotional books
    Light, sand, or water sensory tables
    Calming Kits
    Calming Corner Materials
    Self-regulation kits
    Hurricane shelter kits
    Kindness kits

    Resources:

    The Discovery Source
    School Supplies for Early Childhood Classrooms
    Teaching Supplies & Child Care Resources for Early Education Classrooms
    LakeshoreTeacher Supply StoreTop-Quality Learning Products

  • Prepare Your Business Mini Grant will be used in accordance with the following guidelines:

    • Purchase or replace lost or damaged operating supplies, materials, furnishings, or equipment to stregthen the delivery of program services, emergency readiness, and safety protocols.  

    Examples:

    • Facility maintenance or minor improvements
      • Installing ramps, railings, and other accessibility features 
      • Installing touch free faucets or light switches 
      • Removing non-loadbearing walls to create more space for social distancing 
      • Renovating bathrooms 
      • Replacing carpet with linoleum or another cleanable surface 
      • Indoor/outdoor play areas (mulch, tree trimming, fence repairs) 
    • Tools and materials (Ex: drills, drill bits, drill chargers, screwdrivers, hammers, ladders, industrial fans, tarps, plywood, saws)
    • Hurricane preparedness kits 
    • Generators

    Funds may not be used for rent, mortgage, utilities, business insurance, or major building or facility renovations, modifications, or additions.

    Minor building or facility adjustments are allowed, but if a permit is required and it is not obtained, the cost will not be allowed. Reminder: all expenditure documentation for each grant opportunity awarded (receipts and/or paid invoices) to the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County within 15 calendar days of receipt of goods and services, with a hard deadline of June 30, 2027.

  • Provider Attestation:

    Please read carefully before signing.

  • The following signature affirms:

    That the funding and funding categories for which I have been awarded under the Hurricane Impact Disaster Grant Program have not been previously paid via any other grant, disaster relief (FEMA), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), insurance carrier claims, or any other means of payment.

    If awarded, I vow to use the Hurricane Impact Disaster Grant funds as stated in my approved application.

    Should changes to my approved application be needed, I will amend my application and submit it to the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County for approval prior to expenditure of the funds.

    I will provide all expenditure documentation for each grant opportunity awarded (receipts and/or paid invoices) to the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County within 15 calendar days of receipt of goods and services, with a hard deadline of June 30, 2027.

  • Date *
     - -
  • Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submitting your application. Click each item below to confirm it has been uploaded.*
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  • Program Guidance: 240.23

    Hurricane Impact Disaster Grant (Ian) APPLICATION
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