Photo courtesy of Children's Museum of Rochester

In 2024, SMIF awarded 500 children’s books to the Children’s Museum of Rochester for its SPARK Summer Reading Program.

"During a recent Community Access Event at SPARK, a mother approached one of our team members while holding a children’s book she had discovered in the Quiet Room. It was a book about Ramadan, one of several generously provided by SMIF to share with our community.

"She asked if she could take the book home to help teach her young children about the holiday. Since the books were gifted for exactly this purpose, the answer was a joyful yes. Throughout the evening, she kept looking down at the book, smiling, an unforgettable reminder of how small moments of access can spark meaningful family connections and cultural learning." -Julia Moffit, philanthropy manager at Children’s Museum of Rochester

Read the full story.

Last spring was full of gratitude and gifts! SMIF partnered with Families First of Minnesota and First Children's Finance to host childcare provider appreciation events across our region.

Childcare providers not only provide safe, enriching spaces for kids — they are also the cornerstones of communities. They allow parents to go to work, economies to thrive and kids to grow up in vibrant towns. Their dedication to the youngest of our communities impacts us all, and we are incredibly honored to provide a space for them to feel the appreciation they deeply deserve.

Please contact Margaret Radel, SMIF Early Childhood project and grants coordinator, at margaretr@smifoundation.org if you are interested in hosting a childcare appreciation event.

Thank you to everyone who lent their time and voices to the Early Childhood Initiatives (ECIs) Coordinator Group! We loved celebrating your work and commitment at the end-of-the-year party!

ECI is a community-visioning program facilitated by SMIF with the goal of ensuring that every young child in Greater Minnesota has the best possible start toward a healthy life of learning, achieving and succeeding.

Learn more.

SMIF partners with childcare resource providers from across our region. From trainings and grants to technical assistance and community consultations, these organizations have a ton to offer! Explore their websites to discover what resources could be helpful for you.

Upcoming opportunity:

• Early Educator Benefits Program | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

New to the page:

• Center for Inclusive Child Care
• Childcare dual-training program, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Check out more resources.

July 14 - 16

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Owatonna

July 15

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Austin

July 22

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mankato

July 28

5:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Harmony

Self-paced

Available until Feb. 3, 2027

Online