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
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
US $10,000 - US $150,000
THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Foundation-Directed Grantmaking Status: ACTIVE Funder: Pittsburgh Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $150,000 Last Updated: January 12, 2026 Summary The Pittsburgh Foundation aims to foster a…

FUTURE READY FIVE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Franklin County RISE Idea Fund Overview: Funding opportunity for early childcare providers across Franklin County to invest in innovative strategies that improve outcomes for young children and…

Frey Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Frey Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Frey Foundation Last Updated: October 23, 2025 Summary The Frey Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through initiatives in four key…

Approximately US $30,000
ERIE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Erie Community Foundation Amount: Approximately US $30,000 Last Updated: August 23, 2025 Summary The Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program,…

Ohio Department of Health and Human Services · Rolling / Open Foundation

FY26 SUBG Women's Treatment Set-Aside RFA Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Ohio Department of Health and Human Services Last Updated: May 31, 2025 Summary The FY26 SUBG Women's Treatment Set-Aside RFA…

Early Childhood · Rolling / Open State

FY27 480-20-3970 Smart Start Workforce Grants The purpose of Smart Start Workforce Grants is to provide child care homes, child care centers, and group family care homes with the stable, ongoing…

Early Childhood · Rolling / Open State

FY27 480-40-3710 IDEC Home Visiting The IDEC Home Visiting Program supports pregnant people and parents with young children ages 0-5 who live in Illinois communities that face greater risks and…

YOUTHBRIDGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Gateway Children’s Charity Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Youthbridge Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $100,000 Last Updated: August 09, 2025 Summary The Gateway Children’s Charity Grant, offered…

$235,000 over three years ($705,000 total for 4 grantees)
WOMENS WAY · Rolling / Open · Biennial Foundation

Gender Economic Equity Program (GEEP) Status: Inaugural cohort awarded June 2025; applications by invitation only Geographic Scope: Greater Philadelphia region Program Focus: Investing in the care…

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.

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