Access to affordable, high-quality daycare is more than a family issue—it’s an economic driver. When parents have reliable childcare, they can fully participate in the workforce, businesses can attract and retain employees, and communities see stronger, more stable growth.
Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund
In 2026 a new grant program became available to help support and sustain childcare organizations serving Kossuth County families. Daycare centers and providers are invited to apply for grants through the Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund. Childcare providers may apply for projects related to one of the following focus areas:
- Wage Enhancements: Assist with recruiting and/or retaining quality employees, by raising the hourly wage and/or offering bonuses for employees that meet attendance or retainment goals.
- Quality Improvements: Assist with costs related to completing Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K) levels. Higher levels of quality leads to higher levels of reimbursement through the state of Iowa.
- Facility Improvements: Assist with the construction of a daycare facility and/or remodeling of an existing space to increase the number of daycare slots available.
The first round of funds were distributed in June of 2026. The next grant application deadline will be in 2027. More details will be available in January of 2027.
- Program guidelines
- Grant application (This will be updated for the next round of applications)
- Press release – Grant applications open
- Press release – Grant awards announced for 2026
Working towards a community solution
The City of Algona, Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation, Algona Area Economic Development Corporation, and the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce have identified childcare as a high priority. Representatives from each entity have come together to form the Kossuth Childcare Coalition and are working in collaboration to support daycare sustainability and expansion.
In the fall of 2025, the Kossuth Childcare Coalition kicked off a campaign to raise funds for the Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund. This fund will provide grants and/or revolving loans to daycare centers and providers for workforce recruitment and retention, quality improvements or facility improvements that will impact expansion. Community donations were matched through a $50,000 gift from the Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation.
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, Kossuth Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director at 515-295-7979 or view the online profile and secure giving link.