Salina Area United Way
Salina Area United Way is proud to announce the opening of Year 3 of its Early Childcare Initiative Fund (ECIF) grants for the 2026–2027 grant cycle, marking an exciting new chapter in the program’s growth.
This next phase—referred to as Phase 2 of ECIF, expands grant eligibility to child care providers in Ellsworth County and, for the first time, to in-home child care providers across the region.
Since launching the Early Childcare Initiative in 2023, Salina Area United Way has worked intentionally to strengthen the local child care system while listening closely to providers and families. Over the past two years, in-home providers have consistently shared their needs, challenges, and hopes for stronger support. Phase 2 reflects a direct response to those voices and expands the initiative’s reach to better support the full early childhood ecosystem.
“We heard you,” said Christina Small, Executive Director of Salina Area United Way. “In-home providers told us they needed more support, more resources, and a partner who truly understands their role in caring for children and supporting working families. This expansion is our way of showing up for them—with funding, tools, and genuine care.”
The Early Childcare Initiative was created to address critical child care shortages while strengthening providers and improving outcomes for children, families and employers.
Since its launch, ECIF has:
· Awarded more than $550,000 to early child care providers
· Created 229 new child care slots, including 49 infant slots
· Supported seven nonprofit child care centers
· Increased wages by an average of $2 per hour for center-based child care workers
· Grown the child care endowment to nearly $1.2 million in partnership with the Greater Salina Community Foundation and Thrivent
· Reduced staffing vacancies in the child care industry to less than half of what they were at the program’s start
As part of Phase 2, Salina Area United Way is also introducing a centralized child care administration hub. This hub will serve as a one-stop support system for providers—connecting them to resources, technical assistance, community partnerships, and ongoing guidance as the early childhood system continues to grow and evolve.
“This initiative has always been about more than funding,” said Small. “It’s about relationships, trust, and walking alongside providers. We are here to support them in every way we can—professionally, practically, and personally—because when providers thrive, children and families thrive.”
The 2026–2027 ECIF grant cycle opens Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon.
Eligible providers in Saline and Ellsworth counties—including in-home child care providers—are encouraged to apply.
This year’s grants include wage supplements, non-traditional hours incentives, longevity incentives, gym memberships, bookkeeping support, and additional provider resources designed to strengthen long-term sustainability.
For more information about the Early Childcare Initiative or the application process, visit Early Childcare Initiative or contact Salina Area United Way 785-827-1312.