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
CARROLL COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Tom Holder Memorial Scholarships for Kids Funder: Carroll County Arts Council Inc (scholarship fund established by friends and family in memory of Tom Holder) Geographic Scope: Carroll County,…

MCINERNY FOUNDATION-- · Rolling / Open Foundation

Tuition Aid Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: McInerny Foundation Last Updated: October 02, 2025 Summary The Tuition Aid Program offers grants to educational institutions in Hawaii serving…

UFCW CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC INC · December 31, 2026 · Annual Foundation

UFCW Local One Child Care Grant Status: Active (2025 application cycle announced February 25, 2025; 2026 cycle announced February 24, 2026) Focus Area: Child care subsidies for union members and…

Varies by organization
UNITED WAY OF TOMPKINS COUNTY INC · Rolling / Open · Biennial Foundation

United Tompkins Impact Fund (UTIF) Overview: UTIF grants are awarded on a 2-year cycle to agencies and organizations that address identified priorities to meet community needs. Key Details: - Cycle…

UNITED WAY OF HARRISONBURG AND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Community Impact Grant  MOVING ALICE FROM CRISIS → SURVIVAL → SUSTAINABILITY ALICE® is a project that focuses on community members who are…

SHELBY COUNTY UNITED FUND INC · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

United Way COVID-19 Economic Relief Grant Funder: Shelby County United Fund (SCUFFY) and Blue River Community Foundation, in partnership with Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Indiana United Ways Award…

UNITED WAY OF WHATCOM COUNTY · July 31, 2026 · Annual Foundation

United Way of Whatcom County Community Impact Grants Organization: United Way of Whatcom County Contact: (360) 733-8670 | hello@unitedwaywhatcom.org | 1500 Cornwall Ave Ste 203, Bellingham, WA…

US $10,000 - US $25,000
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NEW BEDFORD INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

UWGNB Community Impact Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: United Way of Greater New Bedford Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000 Last Updated: March 09, 2026 Summary The UWGNB Community Impact Grants aim to…

UNITED WAY OF GREATER NEW BEDFORD INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview United Way of Greater New Bedford (UWGNB) Vision statement We envision a region where all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Mission statement We…

Vermont Childrens Trust Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Mission The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation promotes the well-being of children and families in Vermont by raising funds for community-based prevention programs. Background The Turrell…

$3.2 million (Center for Early Success award in 2025)
CENTER FOR EARLY SUCCESS · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Virginia Mixed Delivery Program Funder: Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), administered through Virginia Department of Education Program Overview: The Mixed Delivery program enables eligible…

OPTOMETRIC FOUNDATION OF NORTH DAKOTA · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Vision Start Program Funder: Optometric Foundation of North Dakota Geographic Scope: North Dakota (serves multiple locations including Beulah, Bismarck, Carrington, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo,…

WK Kellogg Foundation · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

W.K. Kellogg Foundation General Grants Program Status: Active, always open application process Geographic Scope: - Primary focus: Across the United States with generational commitments in Michigan,…

$600 - $4,000 per year
SMART START PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDRE · Rolling / Open · Semi-annual Foundation

WAGE$ Salary Supplement Program Funder: Smart Start Partnership for Children Geographic Scope: North Carolina Overview: WAGE$ provides salary supplements twice per year to early childhood educators…

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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