Governor's Conference on Economic Development
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In 2024, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the South Dakota Department of Social Services worked jointly to provide a two-phase funding opportunity for communities to help with solutions to South Dakota child care challenges. The emphasis of this grant program was to provide funds for innovative community-based child care solutions. Many of the projects aimed to expand sustainable, reliable, quality child care services and provide career pathways to improve the workforce. Through an application process, GOED awarded a total of $1.1M to 28 communities for the planning portion and another $3.8M to 13 communities for the implementation portion of the program.
*(This program is now closed. This was a one-time funding opportunity through GOED. For any child care funding questions please contact the SD Department of Social Services.)
GOED’s Community-Based Implementation Grant has been instrumental in advancing the McIntosh Child Care Center’s ability to provide quality care and education. With the grant funds they were able to cover key expenses such as licensing fees and teacher training, ensuring the daycare meets state standards and enhances the skills of its staff. Physical upgrades including flooring, appliances, furniture, and playground equipment.
These investments have helped create a safe, functional, and enriching environment for children.
In addition to the GOED Implementation Grant, they leveraged this funding to win a $50K USDA Grant, further boosting their resources for expansion and improvement.
Other sources of funding have also played a critical role. The SD Community Foundation Grant supported ongoing development efforts. Through overwhelming monetary support from community members, they were able to secure a Governor’s Home for the center, providing a permanent, stable location for operations.
These combined efforts enabled the center to become state-licensed, and expand its capacity, increasing the number of child care slots available to support working families. Overall, these investments have significantly enhanced the center’s ability to serve the community and contribute to the well-being of families.
The childcare grant was transformative for the Vermillion Community. With the funding from the grant and huge buy in from local support, the community was able to come together to resourcefully use the dollars in as many areas as possible with a focus on accessibility, affordability and quality of care. Their community partners included: Head Start, USD, Vucurevich Center, Boys and Girls Club, Vermillion School District, Center for Children & Families, Pulse Child Care, and Sue Galvin. A total of 54 additional childcare slots were added with all their efforts while also upgrading supplies, furniture, safety features, expansions, and trainings. Additionally, the Vermillion Chamber & Development Company (VCDC) will fund and award up to 3 – $10,000 grants for startup childcares going forward.
The grant funds were a vital investment in the future of the Madison community, helping them create a nurturing and secure environment where children can thrive. The City of Madison approved a Tax Increment Financing District within the Lakeview Industrial Park. LAIC will receive property tax revenue generated within the district, a significant contribution that will directly benefit the childcare facility. The new facility will be owned by the LAIC and operated by EmBe. Together, they are dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education to children in the community.
Aberdeen Development Corporation Brookings Boys & Girls Club Clear Lake Area Development Custer Area Economic Development Corporation DeSmet Development Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Moody County Freeman Community Development Corporation Gayville Volin School District City of Highmore Lake Area Improvement Corporation Grant County Development Corporation On Hand Development Corporation Rosebud Economic Development Corporation Mobridge Economic Development Corporation Murdo Economic Development Corporation Pierre Economic Development Corporation Elevate Rapid City Kindred Spirits, LLC Grow Spink, Inc. Salem Economic Development Corporation Sioux Falls Development Foundation Spearfish Economic Development Corporation Tabor Sacred Heart School Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company Watertown Development Corporation Yankton Thrive
Burke Business Promotion Council McIntosh Community Daycare Sioux Falls Development Corporation Murdo Development Corporation City of Highmore Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company Elevate Rapid City Mobridge Economic Development Corporation Platte Development Corporation Lake Area Improvement Corporation Grow Spink, Inc. Pierre Economic Development Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Brookings
