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
Varies based on child's age, program type, county, and Parent Aware rating level
ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship Overview: An Early Learning Scholarship that helps families pay for high-quality child care and early education to prepare children for school. Scholarship funds…

The Womens Foundation for the State of Arizona · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pathways for Single Moms Program Funder: Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona Overview: Pathways for Single Moms is a program offered by WFSA, mentioned in the main navigation. The foundation…

Carbon County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Carbon County Community Foundation Amount: US $250 - US $500 Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Summary The Penny Allison Early Childhood…

THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pittsburgh Foundation Basic Needs Grants: Child Care Status: ACTIVE Funder: Pittsburgh Foundation Amount: US $10,000 - US $75,000 Last Updated: January 08, 2026 Summary The Pittsburgh Foundation…

BERKS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Berks County Community Foundation Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Summary The Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund provides…

BELLA VISTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Before starting the application process, please contact us to discuss your organization’s work._  Our History Bella Vista Foundation (BVF) is the legacy of sisters Georgiana Gerlinger…

PHOENIXVILLE COMMUNITY EDUCATION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Programs Overview: PCEF administers Pre-K scholarship programs supported through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Geographic Scope:…

King County Department of Community and Human Services · Rolling / Open Foundation

Prenatal to Five (P-5) Innovation Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: King County Department of Community and Human Services Amount: Up to US $85,000 Last Updated: February 27, 2026 Summary The…

UNITED WAY OF COWLITZ COUNTY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Preschool Scholarship Program Funder: United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties Geographic Scope: Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, WA Program Purpose: To bridge the gap for families earning too much…

CMAK SANDY HOOK · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Preschool Scholarships Geographic Scope: Greater Waterbury area and local community (Connecticut) Focus Areas: Need-based financial support for preschool education Program Description: CMAK provides…

PRIMROSE SCHOOLS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION INC · June 8, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Primrose Schools Partnership for Children Seed Grant Funder: Primrose Schools Partnership for Children (formerly Primrose Schools Children's Foundation), the charitable arm of Primrose Schools…

UNITED WAY OF BUCKS COUNTY · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Private Pre-K Scholarships Status: Active Geographic Scope: Bucks County, Pennsylvania Focus Areas: Early childhood education, pre-K tuition assistance Target Population: Low- and moderate-income…

EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL OF LARIMER · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Professional Development Scholarship Funder: Early Childhood Council of Larimer (Northern Colorado Kids Thrive) Geographic Scope: Larimer County, Colorado Overview: Reimbursement for providers and…

ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY ADVISORS INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Promising Ventures Fellowship Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc Last Updated: January 28, 2025 Summary The Promising Ventures Fellowship (PVF) is a unique 5-month…

PORTLAND ST UNIV CHAPTER OF AAUP · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

PSU-AAUP Family Friendly Fund Purpose: Reimburses caregiving costs incurred during unexpected interference with work demands. Geographic Scope: Portland State University, Oregon, US Eligibility: -…

PUEBLO DAY NURSERY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Pueblo Day Nursery Children's Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Pueblo Day Nursery Children's Foundation Amount: Up to US $5,000 Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Summary The Pueblo Day Nursery…

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

Quality Improvement Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Amount: Up to US $500 Last Updated: November 26, 2025 Summary The Quality Improvement Grant, offered…

JOINT INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES · Rolling / Open Foundation

Quality Improvement Grants Status: NOW OPEN - Apply Today Funder: Joint Initiatives Focus: Quality improvement for early childhood programs Note: Limited details available in provided content.…

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