The Coalition will host a series of information sessions about the Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund at the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.
Local economic development organizations are working in collaboration to support the sustainability and expansion of available childcare in Kossuth County.
The Kossuth Childcare Coalition includes representatives of Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation, Algona Area Economic Development Corporation, and the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce. The coalition has identified childcare as an economic development priority impacting the local workforce, business growth and overall community development.
The coalition is seeking donations to help build a Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund. The group kicked off the campaign in the fall of 2025 and has raised half of its $200,000 goal to date.
Once the fund is established, daycare providers will be invited to apply for a grant or revolving loan for wage enhancement programs, quality improvements or facility improvements that will impact daycare expansion. Licensed childcare centers and registered home daycare providers serving Kossuth County will be eligible to apply.
“Access to daycare is an issue that hits home for many working parents, but it’s more than a family issue —it’s an economic driver. Having reliable and affordable childcare has a positive impact on our local workforce. Businesses benefit from having daycare in the community, because they are more able to attract and retain employees. As a region, we are better positioned for strong, stable community growth when quality childcare is available,” said Tod Faris, Executive Director of K/PACEDC.
The Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation has provided $50,000 in matching funds to support the campaign. The Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund is a special project of Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa; all donations to the fund are tax deductible.
To learn more about the Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund or how to contribute, contact Tod Faris, K/PACEDC Executive Director at 515-295-7979 or visit www.cfneia.org/donations/kossuth-childcare-fund/.