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Hagerstown staff propose $250,000 BrightArt childcare grant to expand local provider capacity
Summary
City staff unveiled draft guidelines for the BrightArt Childcare Grant Program funded by a $250,000 State Community Legacy award: a 1:1 matching reimbursement program to support new or expanded child‑care providers within the city’s sustainable communities area; applications accepted through Jan. 31, 2028, or until funds are exhausted.
Planning staff presented draft guidelines for a BrightArt Childcare Grant Program at the April 7 work session, describing a $250,000 award from State Community Legacy funds to be used as 1:1 matching reimbursement grants for new or expanded child‑care services in Hagerstown’s sustainable communities area.
Chris Simberland said the grant will cover eligible costs such as facility renovations, equipment purchases, and marketing or other expenses necessary to meet state regulatory requirements so providers can open or expand. He noted there is no city fund match; the private provider or organization must supply the non‑city match. The program aims to reduce financial barriers for providers and allow them to combine other funding sources from county, state, federal, or private programs.
Staff set an application deadline of Jan. 31, 2028, or until funds are exhausted, and said the program guidelines and an application pathway will return for council action (the staff said it will appear on the agenda for a vote on April 27). Simberland encouraged prospective providers to apply and noted staff had received community interest via email.
Ending: The council will consider the program guidelines and a vote on the item is scheduled for April 27; staff indicated the grant is intended to be reimbursable and targeted to providers within the city’s defined sustainable communities area.
