Historically all RCCIP activities have been held in-person. Post-pandemic we have developed systems to adapt the RCCIP process so it can be done in-person, virtually or a combination of both. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the core team lead and First Children’s Finance staff depending upon regulations and the current situation.
MN APPLICATION
Child care is an economic driver for rural communities across the United States but many communities are facing shortages of high quality child care. First Children’s Finance’s Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) is a community engagement process designed to address the challenges of child care in rural America.
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The Rural Child Care Innovation Program is based on the fundamental idea that rural communities are greater than their size in numbers and greater than their current challenges. By mobilizing and empowering rural communities, the landscape of early care and education is changing in rural America.
We will be opening a new application round for the 2025-2026 cohort beginning August 25, 2025. Please revisit this webpage or email infomn@firstchildrensfinance.org to be notified once a new application round has been opened.
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Application Deadline will be September 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST
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While many communities have child care shortages, only some are ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on the journey to address this critical community issue. Through this competitive process, First Children’s Finance will select communities who demonstrate commitment to the community engagement process over an 18-24 month period.
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Informational Webinar
To learn more about the program, please register to attend the upcoming informational webinar.​
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Informational Webinar – September 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST - register here
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Selected Communities
Eligible communities will be awarded October 6, 2025. ​
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Download:
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Questions
If you have questions regarding the RCCIP application process or to request a separate application for another community engagement process such as the Child Care Strategic Supply Plan, please contact:
First Children's Finance MN Team at: infomn@firstchildrensfinance.org.
*** This application process is intended to support RURAL communities to increase and sustain the supply of child care. This application process is NOT for individual providers.
©2020 Rural Child Care Innovation Program
A program of First Children's Finance sponsored by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families