MONTPELIER — Applications are being accepted for the Building Bright Futures grant, offered through the Vermont Community Loan Fund for child care, preschool and after-school programs.

The funding can be used to start up, relocate, expand or improve facilities and accessibility. Grant requests may not exceed $25,000 and may not be more than 25 percent of the total project cost.

Priority is given to full-day, full-year operations, comprehensive operations that integrate services with other programs and services, and operations in which 25 percent or more of the total enrollment is or will be filled by children whose families qualify for child-care financial assistance.

All applications will be reviewed for quality of care and regulatory issues, and applicants must be active participants in the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS).

The deadline for applications is March 18 at 3 p.m. Applications can be downloaded from www.VCLF.org.

More information is available from VCLF at 224-9141 or by emailing maria@vclf.org.