For Immediate Release
MECA Board Approves $8.5 Million in Funding for Montana's Early Childhood System
Contact:
- DPHHS: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, jebelt@mt.gov
Historic investment targets child care workforce and infrastructure shortages
HELENA, MT – The Montana Early Childhood Account (MECA) Board has approved $8.5 million in funding to deliver critical financial resources to child care providers across the state through three noncompetitive grant programs.
The MECA Board was established during the 2025 legislative session under House Bill 924, which created a 10-member board appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte to oversee a trust established by an initial, one-time $10 million investment and guide spending decisions.
Since their appointment in December 2025, board members have met regularly and used targeted subcommittees to deliver data-driven research and recommendations back to the full board for consideration.
Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, who oversees Governor-appointed boards in Montana, praised the board’s strategic and thorough approach during its most recent meeting.
“The intentional, strategic approach this board took to arrive at these decisions is key to the long-term success of the trust,” Lt. Gov. Juras said. “By building a sustainable, data-driven framework and actively listening to providers on the ground, the board is ensuring these historic investments will strengthen Montana’s child care infrastructure for years to come.”
Central to this initiative is the MECA Board’s decision to prioritize the Flexible Workforce Support Grant Program, a new $3 million-per-year initiative over the next two years, totaling $6 million.
The program will provide noncompetitive grants to eligible child care providers, allowing them to directly support their workforce.
Funds can be used for:
- Covering employee child care costs
- Offering health and wellness benefits
- Enhancing baseline compensation
- Funding professional development
“Providing this flexibility allows child care programs to apply for funds that directly address their most significant workforce challenges,” said Lisa Malmquist, MECA Board Chair. “These are private businesses, and they are best positioned to determine how to use these funds within their programs.”
In addition to workforce stabilization, the board approved $2.5 million in targeted grants for providers seeking to expand care for infants and toddlers—a significant service gap across the state—as well as training grants to help businesses cover technology and professional development costs for early childhood employees.
“The board worked collaboratively to incorporate valuable community feedback while honoring legislative intent,” said Tracy Moseman, MECA Board Member and Administrator for the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Early Childhood and Family Support Division. “DPHHS is excited to take the next steps in launching and administering these impactful grant programs.”
The investments align with key priorities outlined in Montana’s 2025 Early Childhood System Strategic Plan.
Child care providers are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the MECA newsletter on the Montana Early Childhood Account website to receive updates on application timelines and funding availability.
Tags: News and Families and Children