IFF’s Learning Spaces launched last spring to improve access to quality early education and child care across every neighborhood in Detroit. Providers, ranging from home-based caregivers to larger nonprofits and meeting a minimum “three-star” quality rating, can receive grants for real estate consulting, minor facility repairs, or other facility-related needs.
To date, seven early education providers have been awarded grants of up to $15,000 for improvements, including: adding and equipping a new Head Start classroom; replacing faulty HVAC systems; making critical repairs to roofs, decking, and flooring; and installing a new playground and fencing.
The Kresge Foundation recently awarded IFF $1 million to expand this successful program. In the second phase of Learning Spaces, grants of up to $20,000 will be offered to eligible community- and home-based family providers to purchase equipment, complete small-scale improvements, and address emergency repairs. Larger centers may also apply for grants up to $200,000 to complete even more substantial renovations.
Applications for funding through Learning Spaces will open later in January and can be found at iff.org/programs/learningspaces.