Applicants must be a certified childcare center with an Reflecting of Quality or above rating from the Great Start to Quality Program, or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a funding need or programs in early childhood development. Applicants must be employees or representatives of these organizations, with the coordination and approval of the organization’s management or board.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, have at least two years of operating history, and ensure their projects align with the foundation's mission, vision, values, and funding priorities. See Grant Guidelines.

No, grants are not awarded directly to individuals. Applicants must be representatives of certified childcare centers or 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a focus on early childhood development.

We exclusively fund initiatives that further our mission, vision, and values. Our funding priorities include professional development for teachers, expanding access to early education for underserved families, and improving the quality of early learning environments.

Yes, grants are provided on a restricted, program-specific basis for specific charitable activities and cannot be used for general operating expenses or capital improvements. Applicants must not have received a grant within the last six months, and the foundation will not fund individuals, government agencies, public school initiatives, loans, religious activities, fundraising events, political campaigns, legislative lobbying efforts, or conferences.

Before applying, review our eligibility guidelines and requirements. Your organization will need to accept and distribute the awarded funding. Each grant program has a separate application form. Applications must include a financial statement, project budget, and childcare center’s license number. Applications can be submitted directly through our website or by mail.

Applications must include an audited financial statement, project budget, and the childcare center’s license number. See eligibility guidelines and requirements.

The maximum grant funding available for 2025 is up to $5,000.

Funding decisions are made by the Gretchen’s House Foundation Grants Committee, which meets regularly to review applications. Priority is given to projects that best fit our mission, vision, and funding priorities.

If your grant application is not approved, we encourage you to speak with us to receive guidance on how to improve your application for future submissions. Visit our contact page.

The grant committee may contact you for further information to make their funding decision. Priority is given to applications that best fit our mission, vision, and funding priorities. If your grant is not approved, we encourage you to speak with us (contact) for guidance on future applications. Funding decisions are made throughout the year, and you will be notified by email.

All grantees must submit a concluding Grant Report describing project activities, results, impact, future goals, and an accounting of how the grant dollars were spent. Feedback on our grants process is also requested. See Grant Guidelines.

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no specific deadline for submission. This allows applicants to apply at any time throughout the year. The grant committee meets regularly to review and decide on grant distributions. This ensures that funding decisions are made periodically, providing multiple opportunities for applicants to receive support within a year.

We strive to review grant applications promptly to ensure that funds are distributed where needed in a timely manner. However, the review process is thorough and comprehensive, involving multiple stages of evaluation to ensure that each application meets our criteria and aligns with our mission, vision, and values. This rigorous review process includes verifying eligibility, assessing financial stability, and evaluating the project's alignment with our funding priorities.

Due to the detailed nature of this process, award notifications can take some time. Once a decision is made, grant distribution follows accordingly. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure that our grants are awarded to the most deserving projects.

Supporting Gretchen’s House Foundation helps us grow and ensure access to high-quality early education. Your tax-deductible donations are crucial in making our work possible. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of teachers, families, and children.

To donate, click on the "Donate" button on this website. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Our EIN is 86-3939919.

Thank you for your support!

You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, stories, and announcements directly in your inbox. You can contact us via email at info@ghfdn.org, visit our website at www.ghfdn.org, or mail us at:

Attn: Gretchen’s House Foundation
4531 Concourse Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108