The Emporia Chamber Foundation is celebrating after getting a six-figure grant for its potential purchase of the Maynard Early Childhood Center.
The state says the Chamber Foundation has received a nearly $552,000 grant from the Child Care Capacity Accelerator program. This grant is significant because it goes towards operations, including personnel recruitment — specifically a director — and supplies purchases.
Chamber President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says childcare is becoming an increasingly obvious component of economic development, especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan is to generate up to $3 million for the purchase of the property and then renovate the building into a 24-7 daycare facility. The Chamber Foundation has until Jan. 11 to secure the funds and then purchase the property from USD 253 Emporia.
This grant is through the Kansas Department for Children and Families, involving an additional funding allocation through the federal American Rescue Plan. The Chamber Foundation is awaiting word on other grant opportunities as well.
