What we do

First Children’s Finance works to stabilize, improve and expand high-quality childcare businesses serving low- and moderate-income families. We provide financing, training and consulting assistance, and build partnerships that connect childcare businesses with the resources and expertise of the public and private sectors.

First Children’s Finance is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, currently lending in ten states: Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Based in Minneapolis, we also have offices in Iowa and Michigan, and develop customized business-development programs in each region.

Why it matters

• The quality of care and education young children receive determines how successful they will be in school and in their working life.
• As a result, investment in early care and education has more impact and a higher rate of return than later investments in children and young adults.
• Access to quality care stabilizes working families today, improves parents’ productivity, and prepares children to be more capable, productive workers.
• Employers’ ability to attract and retain the best employees depends on the availability of high-quality care and education for their children.

First Children’s Finance launches Michigan Children’s Chamber of Commerce

Our Detroit office is pleased to announce a $50,000 grant from PNC Foundation that will help First Children’s Finance launch the Michigan Children’s Chamber of Commerce, a business partnership designed to strengthen childcare businesses in Southeast Michigan by enlisting businesses of all sizes to provide mentoring and financial support.

The grant was made in support of PNC Grow Up Great, a 10-year, $100 million initiative to improve early childhood education. The Michigan Children’s Chamber is supported by a group of financial, business and philanthropic institutions, including the Skillman Foundation and the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Learn more about the Michigan Children’s Chamber launch on the Business of Being a Nonprofit blog at Crain’s Detroit Business.  First Children’s Finance is currently developing the Children’s Chambers of Commerce in three states, including Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota. Find more information here.