Partner Story

Expanded Access to Early Childhood Education at 415 Franklin

Grant Recipient

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative

Awarded Amount

$220,000

In October of 2020, the Steelcase Foundation awarded Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) $220,000 to refurbish the early childhood suite at 415 Franklin, to provide 72 childcare slots for low income-children ages birth to five on the city’s southeast side. The early childcare suite is part of the larger renovation effort to breathe new life into the former Department of Health and Human Services building at the corner of Franklin and Madison, providing 41 apartments, licensed childcare, community meeting spaces, and new residences for Madison Square Church and Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF).

The early childhood wing will provide quality childcare on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, and fill 72 of more than 4,000 additional childcare slots needed throughout the city. ELNC will renovate the early childhood suite and oversee finance, administration, and pedagogical management to ensure high quality program delivery, and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids will provide childcare services. We’re excited to support ELNC and the reimaging of 415 Franklin to become a multi-use, collaborative resource for families and the community.