Ministry-Based Program Grants (Registered Ministry Grants)

Ministry-Based Program Grants

Geographic Scope: Indiana (statewide)
Funding Source: Lilly Endowment ($20 million investment)

Program Overview

Grants designed to encourage faith-based and ministry-based early education and care providers to participate in Indiana's Paths to QUALITY rating system. These grants support registered ministry programs in improving quality standards and expanding capacity.

Focus Areas

• Facility improvements (fire alarm systems, lighting, restrooms, windows, playground fencing)
• Classroom materials and curriculum
• Hand-washing sinks and anti-scald valves
• Outdoor play areas
• Staff hiring and training costs
• Background checks for staff
• Professional development opportunities
• Infant and toddler room improvements

Eligibility

• Faith-based early education and care providers
• Ministry-based child care programs
• Programs registered as ministries in Indiana
• Programs seeking to join/advance in Paths to QUALITY system

Paths to QUALITY System

The voluntary four-tiered rating system assesses providers on:

• Health and safety standards
• Overall learning environment
• Use of planned curriculums
• National accreditations

These grants typically enable programs to reach Level 3, considered high-quality.

Recent Award Examples (2018)

July 2018 Awards ($97,650 total):

• Annunciation Catholic Montessori School (Brazil): $16,000
• Immanuel Lutheran Child Care Ministry (Seymour): $37,650
• Momentum Daycare (Crown Point): $20,000
• Morning Star Academy (Hammond): $24,000

July 2018 Awards ($125,848 total):

• Cline Avenue Fellowship Childcare (Highland): $36,633
• Holy Family School (South Bend): $13,000
• Immanuel Lutheran Preschool (Valparaiso): $16,325
• Round Barn Daycare (Greencastle): $21,400
• Stepping Up Preschool (Crown Point): $7,640
• St. Adalbert Catholic School (South Bend): $5,850
• St. Joseph Catholic School Early Learning Ministry (Shelbyville): $25,000

August 2018 Awards ($168,790 total):

• God's Little Blessings Early Learning Center at Calvary Baptist Church (Connersville): $25,000
• Kids First Child Care Ministry at First United Methodist Church (Decatur): $23,000
• Little Angels Daycare at Apostolic Pentecostal Tabernacle (Seymour): $25,800
• St. Peter Lutheran Church and School (North Judson): $3,340
• Saint Therese Catholic School (Fort Wayne): $14,050
• St. John Catholic Preschool (Goshen): $23,000
• St. Johns Day Care Ministry (Lanesville): $28,600
• The Little Children's Ministry at First United Church (Logansport): $26,000

Program History

Since 2015, Early Learning Indiana has awarded more than $2 million in grants to ministry-based programs, creating 1,500+ new high-quality seats.

Contact

Address: 1411 Roosevelt Ave, Suite 202, Indianapolis, IN 46201