Nine Moore County childcare providers will receive $25,000 in grants through Partners for Children & Families’ Child Care Microgrant Program.
The funding from the Duke Energy Foundation will help local childcare providers “improve facilities, strengthen early learning environments, and expand opportunities for children and families,” according to Partners for Children & Families.
Partners for Children & Families received 31 applications requesting approximately $130,000, more than five times the available funding. Following a review process, the organization selected nine providers to receive grants.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
• Helen Cole’s Childcare: $5,000
• Little Pines Academy Southern Pines: $5,000
• My Little World: $2,675
• Helen’s Daycare: $2,675
• Christ Way Deliverance Preschool: $2,675
• Lee’s Early Learning Center: $2,675
• Kelli’s Family Child Care Home: $2,000
• Sonlight Child Care Center: $1,250
• Ms. Gayle’s Day Care: $1,050
The grants will fund projects such as expanding childcare capacity, renovating learning spaces, purchasing state-approved curricula and educational materials, improving outdoor play areas, and acquiring instructional technology.
In addition, Partners for Children & Families will also recognize the 22 applicants who did not receive grants with $100 gift cards in appreciation of their work serving local children and families. Private donations from Moore County residents and businesses will fund the gift cards.
“The funding received from the Duke Energy Foundation is deeply appreciated,” said Stuart Mills, executive director of Partners for Children & Families. “Thanks to the Duke Energy Foundation, we were able to help a large number of child care homes and centers. But equally important, with the Foundation’s leadership, we were reminded of the tremendous needs, many for very basic items, that exist in our childcare system.”
Partners for Children & Families has served as Moore County’s Smart Start partner since 1994. The organization supports families, prepares children for school, and promotes lifelong learning through early childhood education and family support programs.
The organization serves more than 5,000 children annually and distributes 120,000 healthy meals and snacks, 30,000 books, and 420,000 diapers each year.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to communities served by Duke Energy. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
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Photo via Canva Stock Gallery.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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