The GNWT has established a new funding program to provide non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments with funding for infrastructure repairs and retrofits to support the creation of new centre-based child care spaces in communities.

Lack of infrastructure funding is a significant barrier to the development of licensed centre-based early learning and child care programs, as many available buildings do not meet requirements for providing child care and renovations are often very expensive. This new funding helps to support community organizations afford the renovations required to establish early learning and child care programming for their residents.

Interested organizations can submit proposals for funding through regional Early Childhood Consultants by August 31, 2020 to be eligible for up to $500,000 in funding for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Funding priority will be given to communities with limited or non-existent early learning and child care programming.

Quote

“The Government of the Northwest Territories committed in its mandate to increasing the availability and affordability of child care in communities. By helping to increase the number of child care spaces in communities through infrastructure upgrades, we are supporting families, creating jobs, and ensuring children in the Northwest Territories get the best possible start in life.”
- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

·       The Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund is open to non-government organizations to renovate infrastructure.

·       There is $500,000 in funding available for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

·       The deadline for proposals is August 31, 2020.

Related links

·       Apply for early learning and child care infrastructure funding

For Media Requests, please contact:

Meagan Wohlberg
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
meagan_wohlberg@gov.nt.ca