The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County will offer a second round of CARES funding to licensed childcare providers. The countywide collaborative program, Whatcom ReStart, will issue up to $700,000 for eligible licensed childcare operators.
Grant applications will be accepted October 13 through October 25, 2020. Funding decisions and contracts will be issued in November. There is no cap on grants to support childcare operators. The application has been modified from the first round of funding applications and childcare providers must reapply to be considered for this second round.
The purpose of this program is to assist childcare providers impacted by COVID-19 as they continue their vital services in our communities. More information, including eligibility guidelines, criteria and applications, can be found on the Whatcom ReStart page of the Port of Bellingham website.
“We know childcare providers are offering vital services supporting our children and working parents as this health crisis continues to impact our lives,” Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood said. “With this second round of funding, we are recognizing how childcare providers have stepped up in significant ways, particularly as the academic year has resumed and families have had to establish new routines.”
In addition to funding licensed childcare providers, CARES Act funding has also been dedicated to supporting small business recovery, the food and beverage industry, public emergency response, food and housing security, and services and facilities to those living unsheltered.
