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
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview **PURPOSE **Northwest Minnesota Foundation has been aggressively bolstering and improving the opportunities for child care professionals to be successful. Many challenges over the past few…

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

Child Care Partnership Grant (CCPG) Funder: Washington State Department of Commerce Status: Award announced October 10, 2025 Geographic Scope: Mason County, WA Focus Areas: - Development of local…

IOWA WOMEN'S FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Child Care Solutions Fund Funder: Iowa Women's Foundation Geographic Scope: Iowa Focus Area: Child Care solutions Program Description The Child Care Solutions Fund supports organizations working to…

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

Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grant​ Status: ACTIVE Funder: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: April 02, 2026 Summary The Child Care Start-Up…

Education-based salary supplements (eligible every six months)
GUILFORD COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN INC · Rolling / Open · Semi-annual Foundation

Child Care WAGE$ Program Overview: The Child Care WAGE$ Program provides education-based salary supplements to individuals working with children birth to five. The program is designed to increase…

VALLEY HEALTH FOUNDATION (VHF) · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Childcare Expansion Grant Program Funder: Valley Health Foundation (VHF), administered through Community Grants Partnership Funding Source: County of Santa Clara through Federal Coronavirus State and…

Up to $1,000 per licensed child care slot of new capacity, maximum $100,000 per program
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

ChildcareTennessee Establishment and Expansion Grants Status: Open Geographic Scope: Tennessee (statewide) Focus Areas: Support for licensed child care providers to establish new programs or expand…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

ChildcareTennessee Supplemental Grants Status: Open - includes new supplemental grants (as of document date) Geographic Scope: Tennessee (statewide) Focus Areas: Two types of new supplemental grants:…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE · Rolling / Open Foundation

ChildcareTennessee Support and Enhancement Grants Status: Open Geographic Scope: Tennessee (statewide) Focus Areas: Licensed child care providers can apply for playground equipment, classroom…

Up to $18,000
Mt Pleasant Area Community Fnd · Rolling / Open · Semi-annual Foundation

Community Grants Funder: Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) Geographic Scope: Isabella County, Michigan Mission: Enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and…

GRAND FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Priorities Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Grand Foundation Last Updated: August 10, 2025 Summary The Community Priorities Fund Grant, established by the Grand County Board of County…

Fremont Area Community Foundation · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Community Response Fund Purpose: Rapidly deploy resources to nonprofit organizations in response to urgent community crises (established in response to COVID-19). Award Amount: Not specified; varies…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WEST TEXAS · Rolling / Open Foundation

Current Grant Opportunities Funder: Community Foundation of West Texas Geographic Scope: West Texas region Overview: The Community Foundation of West Texas offers various grant opportunities for…

$40.00 per scheduled service day, per approved child
CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS NETWORK · Rolling / Open Foundation

DELCO Child Care COVID Support Status: Applications currently closed. Check back later for potential reopening. Geographic Scope: Delaware County, PA only Focus Areas: Child care assistance to reduce…

Up to US $25,000
ARTHUR JR DOBLES & OLIVE G DOBLES CRUT · Rolling / Open Foundation

Dobles Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Arthur J R Dobles And Olive G Dobles Charitable Remainder Amount: Up to US $25,000 Last Updated: August 25, 2025 Summary The Dobles Foundation Grant…

US $200 - US $5,000
JUNEAU COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Douglas-Dornan Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Juneau Community Foundation Amount: US $200 - US $5,000 Last Updated: April 30, 2025 Summary The Douglas-Dornan Fund Grant, established in honor of…

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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