Grants for Daycare

Childcare grants help centers start, expand, and improve their programs. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the largest federal source, distributed through state agencies. Additional funding comes from Head Start, USDA child nutrition programs, and foundations focused on early childhood development.

118 grants
Foundation
Updated daily
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,…

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…

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…

BEACON HILL CIVIC ASSOCIATION INC · October 31, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Beacon Hill Community Fund Funder: Beacon Hill Civic Association Inc (MA, US) Mission: The Beacon Hill Community Fund gives grants to community-based Beacon Hill, Cambridge Street and adjacent…

BETHANY LEGACY FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bethany Legacy Foundation Grant: Short Application Status: ACTIVE Funder: Bethany Legacy Foundation Inc Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: March 06, 2026 Summary Overview Note: There are three…

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Buncombe County Child Care Relief Fund Purpose: To support child care centers in Buncombe County to rebuild and reopen following community crisis/disaster. Geographic Scope: Buncombe County, NC Focus…

NEBRASKA EARLY CHILDHOOD · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Business Pathways to Quality Funder: Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) Geographic Scope: Nebraska Focus Areas: - Business training for child care programs - Leadership skills development…

DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL JEWISH FEDERATION · January 10, 2027 · Annual Foundation

Camp Shelanu Financial Aid Funder: Jewish for Good (Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation) Geographic Scope: Durham County, North Carolina Overview: Need-based financial aid for Camp Shelanu summer…

HEALTHY CHILD CARE COLORADO · Rolling / Open Foundation

Capital Improvement Grant Overview: A competitive grant opportunity for nonprofit early childhood programs to increase the quality of indoor and outdoor spaces. Geographic Scope: Colorado (statewide)…

COLORADO STATEWIDE PARENT COALITION · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Care Worker Tax Credit Mini-Grants Status: Application period currently open Geographic Scope: Colorado statewide Background: Established to support FFN providers in accessing the Care Worker Tax…

Crawford County Kids Association · May 1, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

CCKA Child Care Scholarship Program Organization: Crawford County Kids Association (IL, US) Purpose: Designed to help families struggling with child care costs who don't qualify for Illinois' CCAP…

Approximately US $1,000
AGENDA FOR CHILDREN · Rolling / Open Foundation

CCR&R SRTC Workforce Echo Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Agenda For Children Amount: Approximately US $1,000 Last Updated: December 09, 2025 Summary The CCR&R SRTC Workforce Echo Grant aims to support…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _Note: These applications are invitation-only after providers have completed the required steps with pre-licensing.  The pre-licensing deadline is represented by the pre-proposal  deadline._…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Grant Funding ChildcareTennessee administers a variety of grants to child care programs licensed with the Tennessee Department of Human Services to support early childhood education in…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

CFMT: Safety Supplemental Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Amount: Up to US $4,000 Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Summary The CFMT: Safety Supplemental Grants…

Dallas County Local Workforce Development Board · Rolling / Open Foundation

Child Care Assistance Program Overview: WFSDallas provides financial assistance to eligible families to reduce the burden of child care costs and support access to quality early childhood education.…

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a grant to start a daycare center?
Start with your state's Child Care Resource and Referral agency, which can connect you to local startup grants. The SBA offers small business grants applicable to childcare. Many states have specific childcare business grants. The USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program can offset meal costs. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) also provide startup funding for childcare businesses.
What is the Child Care and Development Fund?
CCDF is the primary federal funding source for childcare, providing about $12 billion annually to states. States use CCDF to subsidize childcare for low-income families, improve childcare quality, and support the childcare workforce. Providers can access CCDF through their state childcare subsidy program.
Are there grants for childcare facility improvements?
Yes. Many states offer facility grants for childcare centers — including playground equipment, safety improvements, and ADA compliance. The USDA provides grants for rural childcare facilities. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) can fund childcare infrastructure, and some foundations specifically support early childhood facility projects.

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