Grant Opportunities
This page highlights grant and scholarship opportunities designed to support early childhood educators and strengthen early learning environments. OCCFR offers annual mini-grants for centers and programs within the UW–Madison Child Care and Education System, supporting projects that enhance classrooms, programming, and educator development. You’ll also find information about additional funding opportunities from UW–Madison and beyond—including professional development grants, innovation awards, and external grants and scholarships—to help educators pursue growth, creativity, and meaningful impact in their work.
OCCFR Mini Grants
The Office of Child Care and Family Resource grants are open to Campus and Network Center early childhood professionals and can be used for New Initiative projects (classroom equipment/resources and curriculum enhancement) or Professional Development training (attending conferences, workshops, or other professional training).
To Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All requests must be submitted no later than March 1st to ensure reimbursement by the end of the fiscal year.
Please review the Guidelines then complete the application below and submit to Cigdem Unal at cigdem.unal@wisc.edu and Lucy Eidson at leidson@wisc.edu.
Guidelines
This was my first opportunity to attend the national convention. I was inspired by the energy and advocacy work being done throughout the week. There is nothing like being in a room of educators who are passionate about early childhood education, equality, and learning. The sessions I attended really brought a sense of support for teachers and leaders across the nation. It was a great educational and team building experience for my staff and self.
Received an OCCFR Mini Grant?
UW Grant Opportunities
UW–Madison Academic Staff Professional Development Grants
The Academic Staff Professional Development Grants offer one-time grants of up to $5000 for on-campus or local professional development activities which are sponsored by UW-Madison and are intended to benefit multi-unit groups of academic staff.
School of Education Staff Innovation Awards
The School of Education Staff Innovation Award seeks to provide staff members with funds to develop exciting and innovative new initiatives that will have a positive impact on the School of Education community.
Other Grants & Scholarships
TEACH Early Childhood Scholarships
Offers scholarships for educational needs, including obtaining professional credentials, taking courses at Wisconsin colleges, or pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree.
REWARD Wisconsin
Salary stipend incentive for early childhood educators working in Wisconsin, offered by the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association.