Raising Riley, the early-childhood initiative run by Riley County Health Department staff, presented its fiscal year 2027 grant application and asked the Riley County Commission to authorize staff to submit the request to the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund.

Jan Sheideman, supervisor of the Raising Riley program, told the board the FY27 proposal requests $975,083 in ECBG funding and would provide Riley County with $72,229 in indirect costs. Sheideman said the program is asking the county to provide a local match of $126,195 to support scholarships, provider professional development, kindergarten staffing and other operating needs. "We are requesting your support in the amount of $126,195," she said.

Sheideman described Raising Riley's work since 1999, including childcare scholarships for families up to 185% of the federal poverty level, provider training and a kindergarten-readiness program that the program has run in collaboration with area school districts.

Commissioners moved to authorize staff to submit the FY27 application; the motion carried by voice vote. The motion authorizes submission only; it does not obligate the county to the match until the commission votes on funding if the grant is awarded. Meeting materials and Sheideman's presentation list the program partners and the uses of county match funds.

Next steps: staff will submit the application and, if the grant is awarded, the commission will consider formal budget action to provide the requested match.