Dodge and Jefferson County businesses and early childhood programs have an opportunity partner up, work toward shared goals, and receive money and support along the way. In addition to our work to develop a multi-faceted approach to addressing the child care crisis in our region, the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF) encourages partners to engage in Project Growth, a new State of Wisconsin initiative designed to help solve the challenges facing our child care system.

Project Growth invests in partnerships that aim to strengthen their businesses and community by making quality, affordable child care more accessible and sustainable. Grants are available to businesses and child care providers that work together to add benefits employees want, find child care solutions, and innovate. And the best part? There are concrete benefits beyond the grant funding.

Benefits for businesses include:

Benefits for early childhood programs include:

Join the Department of Children & Families and other project partners to hear about Project Growth and its two grant programs: Partner Up! and Dream Up!

Join the Kick-Off Webinar via Zoom (registration not required)

Additional webinars on each grant program are detailed here.

GWCHF is committed to supporting businesses and child care providers in applying for funding through Project Growth. Questions? Contact GWCHF President Tina Crave.

We invite you to join us in signing on to an open letter from the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers, laying out a united vision for increased investments in prenatal-to-three issues in 2022 and beyond. The National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers is a coalition comprised of more than 2,500 local, state and national organizations representing business leaders, pediatricians, child care providers, parents, state and local officials, advocates and researchers. The group is calling on our nation’s leaders at every level to invest in the following priority areas:

Grant Announcements

GWCHF announces the closing of our Pandemic Response grant cycle after awarding more than $1 million to 40+ organizations working to improve the health of children and families in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. Grants helped address pandemic needs like food, shelter, education, supplies, operations, fundraising gaps and more. Learn more here about all the grants awarded in response to the pandemic.

GWCHF is currently accepting proposals for four open grant cycles.

Changemaker Grants provide support for agencies working to improve health equity for those they serve, while focusing on the social determinants of health.

Capacity Building Grants are for agencies looking to advance their missions by developing leadership skills or strengthening organizational efforts.

Health Equity Spark Grants spark community learning, reflection and dialogue on the topics of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Community Collaboration Grants provide support for partnerships that enhance community spaces where individuals can be active together.

Submitted proposals must directly support the communities served by the school districts of Dodgeland, Hustisford, Ixonia, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Waterloo and Watertown.

To date, the Foundation has invested nearly $13 million in its five strategic, child-focused priorities: Strong Families; Kindergarten Readiness; School Success; Social Emotional Wellbeing; and Healthy Eating/Active Living.