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
Montana State University · Rolling / Open Foundation

Henrietta Moebus Bolitho Memorial Scholarship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Montana State University Last Updated: December 20, 2025 Summary The Henrietta Moebus Bolitho Memorial Scholarship, offered…

RICHARD AND ETHEL HERZFELD · Rolling / Open Foundation

Herzfeld Foundation: Early Childhood Education Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation Inc. Amount: US $15,000 - US $60,000 Last Updated: May 05, 2025 Summary The Herzfeld…

WET MTN VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · February 15, 2027 · Annual Foundation

High Mountain Hay Fever Children's Health Fund Geographic Scope: Custer County, Colorado Focus Areas: Children's health (birth to 18 years), including but not limited to: - Accessibility of…

EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL OF LARIMER · Rolling / Open Foundation

Higher Education Scholarship Funder: Early Childhood Council of Larimer (Northern Colorado Kids Thrive) Geographic Scope: Larimer County, Colorado (prioritized); broader eligibility available…

4CS OF PASSAIC COUNTY INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Hiring and Retention Bonus Grant Funder: New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development Eligibility: Licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers…

Houston Junior Forum Endowment Fund Inc · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

HJF College Scholarship Program Funder: Houston Junior Forum Geographic Scope: Greater Houston area, TX Program Background: Established to provide multi-year scholarships to students. To date, the…

Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Houston Food Bank · Rolling / Open Foundation

Houston Food Bank: Kids Cafe Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Houston Food Bank Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support Last Updated: November 05, 2025 Summary The Houston Food Bank's Kids…

Hulsebosch Hope Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: New Grantee Applicants---Organizations interested in applying for an HHF program grant must complete the Prospective Grantee Application Survey by the LOI deadline above. This survey…

INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HYGIENE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Guidelines will be available to those applicants who are invited to submit full proposals._ Early Childhood Grants IMH seeks to strengthen and sustain policies, programs, and…

$100,000 - $2,000,000
Child Care Connection Inc · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

IMPROVE Child Care Grant Status: Details limited in provided content; appears to be companion program to Community INNOVATION Grant Geographic Scope: Alaska statewide Funder: Child Care Connection…

Up to $5,000 per facility (larger loans considered case-by-case)
NCCF PROPERTY INVESTMENTS INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

In-Home Childcare Start-Up Loan Program Funder: Norton County Community Foundation (NCCF) - Economic Impact Fund Purpose: Provide affordable loans to new, in-home childcare providers to cover capital…

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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