Pictured above, left to right: Diedre Nordin (Advance Thief River), Michelle Landsverk (Advance Thief River), Bruce Keller (Dondelinger Foundation) and Tom Dondelinger (Dondelinger Foundation)
Thief River Falls, MN – Advance Thief River is proud to announce the launch of a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $100,000 to support and revitalize the local childcare ecosystem. The campaign has already garnered significant support, with generous contributions of $10,000 from the Dondelinger Foundation and $7,500 from the Hartz Foundation.
The need for quality childcare services has become increasingly urgent as a critical component of both economic development and quality of life in the local area. Before the pandemic, Thief River Falls benefited from a robust network of childcare providers, but the community has since seen a significant 30% decline in available childcare options. Without immediate action, this number could worsen, with projections indicating an additional 12% decline over the next decade.
“Childcare is a cornerstone of our community’s vitality. It ensures that parents can engage fully in the workforce, that employers can fill open positions, and that our children receive the foundational education they need for future success,” said Michelle Landsverk, Director of Advance Thief River. “This campaign is about more than just numbers—it’s about securing the future of our children, our families, and our local economy. The early support from the Dondelinger and Hartz Foundations highlights the importance of this cause and sets a strong foundation for our efforts.”
The funds raised through this campaign will be allocated to the following initiatives:
- Providing grants to aspiring childcare providers, encouraging individuals to start a childcare business and helping them meet licensing requirements.
- Providing grants to existing childcare providers, encouraging them to continue providing childcare services.
- Providing financial support for our Early Childhood Educators Network as a means of retaining our existing childcare providers.
Eligible uses of grant funding include: facility enhancement such as flooring, egress windows, and fencing; toys and equipment; training; and other items needed to attain or retain licensing.
The Advance Thief River Childcare Fund will provide much-needed support to both existing and aspiring childcare providers. By bolstering this critical infrastructure, we can ensure that families in Thief River Falls have access to reliable, high-quality childcare, enabling parents to participate fully in the workforce and contributing to the overall economic strength of our community.
“We believe that every child in our community deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment,” added Landsverk. “Your donation will help us turn the tide on this alarming trend and invest in the future of Pennington County.”
To contribute to the campaign, donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/TRF-Childcare-Fund. Questions should be directed to Michelle Landsverk, mlandsverk@advancethiefriver.com. Every gift brings us closer to securing a brighter future for our children and community.
Advance Thief River is committed to fostering economic growth and well-being in Pennington County. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, we aim to create a thriving environment for the businesses and residents who call this place home.
