Child Care Grants

Child care grants fund early childhood programs, preschool, Head Start and Early Head Start, family child care, and child development initiatives. The Child Care and Development Block Grant provides the largest federal funding stream, with additional support from the Department of Education, USDA, and early childhood-focused foundations.

487 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Inc · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

2026 Indiana Early Childhood Conference Scholarship Status: Active - Scholarships currently available Geographic Scope: Indiana Event Date: May 15-16, 2026 Venue: Indiana Convention Center, 100 South…

Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Early Childhood · Rolling / Open Foundation

480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Early Childhood Amount: US $750,000 - US $1,800,000 Last Updated: March 14,…

THE JEWISH FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

A Healthy Start Geographic Scope: Metropolitan Detroit community Focus Areas: Health intervention and wellness programs for vulnerable and underserved children, including prenatal services and youth…

More than US $20,000
AMARILLO AREA FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

AAF Discretionary Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Amarillo Area Foundation Amount: More than US $20,000 Last Updated: January 14, 2026 Summary The AAF Discretionary Grant, offered by the Amarillo Area…

ASPEN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Community Grantmaking Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) is dedicated to supporting children and families living in the Aspen to Parachute region. In 2025, ACF is offering two competitive…

$2,500 - $25,000
UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE AND OTSEGO COUNTI · September 30, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Agency Grant Application Funder: United Way of Mid Rural New York (Delaware and Otsego Counties, NY) Overview: Competitive annual grants designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations by focusing,…

$2,500 - $25,000 (varies by county: Chenango $25,000, Delaware $5,000, Otsego $10,000, Madison $10,000)
UNITED WAY OF MID RURAL NEW YORK INC · September 30, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Agency Grant Application Funder: United Way of Mid Rural New York Inc Overview: Competitive grants designed to focus, enhance, and/or expand an organization's existing programs and services, or as an…

Montana State University · Rolling / Open Foundation

Allen and Georgann Reel HHD Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Montana State University Last Updated: December 01, 2025 Summary The Allen and Georgann Reel HHD Scholarship at Montana State…

Average $77,400 awarded to child care centers; Average $8,400 awarded to family child care programs
MINNESOTA CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND · Rolling / Open Foundation

American Rescue Plan Support Grants Status: Active (data through December 2022) Geographic Scope: Minnesota (100% of counties received funds) Purpose: Monthly stabilization grants to child care…

SOUTHEAST ALASKA FRIENDS OF · July 1, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Annabel Rondeau Preschool Scholarship Purpose: Ensures that families of modest means have access to a public Montessori Children's House program, particularly if they receive child care assistance…

Varies by organization
Highland Park Community Foundation · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Annual Grants Program Funder: Highland Park Community Foundation (IL, US) Overview: Grants are awarded on an annual basis to qualified nonprofits and governmental agencies that have completed a…

AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Annual Meeting Funding: Child Care Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: American Historical Association Amount: Up to US $250 Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Summary The American Historical Association…

FIRST UP · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Aspire to Inspire Overview: An initiative of the Kimble Group designed to walk alongside Keystone STAR 1 programs as they grow toward achieving STAR 2. Intentionally aligned to ensure programs can…

RANDOLPH COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR · Rolling / Open · Semi-annual Foundation

AWARD$ - Infant-Toddler Educator Program Type: Statewide salary supplement program for early childhood educators Description: AWARD$ is a new statewide salary supplement program designed to better…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MORGAN COUNTY · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Baby Brody Pendill Scholarship Funder: BJ and Kristina Pendill, administered by Community Foundation of Morgan County Established: 2014 (five years prior to March 2019 article) Purpose: To honor the…

JPMA CARES INC · October 24, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Baby Safety Foundation Microgrant Program Funder: Baby Safety Foundation (philanthropic arm of the Baby Safety Alliance) Organization Type: 501(c)(3) charitable organization EIN: 87-0858073…

BASIC Fund · Rolling / Open Foundation

BASIC Fund Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: BASIC Fund Amount: Up to US $2,750 Last Updated: January 18, 2026 Summary The BASIC Fund Scholarship provides essential financial assistance to…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between childcare grants and Head Start?
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) provides subsidies for working families to afford childcare and quality improvement funds for providers. Head Start is a separate, comprehensive program providing free preschool, health services, and family support for low-income children. Both are federally funded but operate through different channels and serve different (sometimes overlapping) populations.
Can family child care providers get grants?
Yes. Family child care homes qualify for CCDBG quality improvement funds, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program reimbursements, state quality rating system incentives, and various foundation grants. Many states have specific startup and improvement grants for family child care providers. T.E.A.C.H. scholarship programs support provider education.
Are there grants for childcare worker wages?
This is a growing focus area. Some states use ARPA funds for childcare workforce stabilization grants. CCDBG allows states to set reimbursement rates that support better wages. Foundations like the Buffett Early Childhood Fund and Pritzker Children's Initiative fund workforce compensation efforts. The T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ programs address provider compensation.

Ready to apply for these grants?

  • Assess your eligibility for this grant
  • Draft a tailored application narrative
  • Track the deadline and get reminders
  • Find similar grants from other funders