Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant

Geographic Scope: Marion County, Indiana, specifically eleven high-need zip codes in the Indianapolis area

Background: Launched in partnership with Glick Philanthropies to support child care providers in areas with significant care gaps. According to Early Learning Indiana's Closing the Gap report, targeted zip codes have as little as 20% capacity to serve children who need care through licensed or regulated programs.

Award Amount:

• 2024 Round: $300,000 awarded to twelve providers
• 2025 Round: Over $177,000 awarded to nine providers

Focus Areas:

• Increase availability of early child care and education
• Create equitable child care opportunities for families in high-need areas
• Support both newly-opening and existing child care programs
• Provide care for infants and toddlers
• Accept Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers for low-income families

Eligibility:

• Newly-opening child care programs
• Existing child care programs seeking to expand
• Located in identified high-need zip codes in Marion County
• Willing to serve infants and toddlers
• Accept CCDF vouchers
• Commit to enrolling in Paths to QUALITY rating and improvement system
• Work toward Level 3 rating or higher

Requirements for Awardees:

• Enroll in Paths to QUALITY rating and improvement system
• Achieve Level 3 rating or higher
• Participate in onsite visits from CCA staff over eight-month support period
• Engage in peer provider networking
• Connect to resources provided by CCA

Support Provided:

• Grant funding
• Onsite visits from CCA staff
• Coordination of networking with peer child care providers
• Connection to resources for business sustainability
• Tools and resources for creating sustainable businesses
• Eight months of direct support

Contact Information:

• Phone: 317.636.5727
• Email: info@childcareanswers.org
• Address: 2955 N. Meridian St., Suite 101B, Indianapolis, IN 46208
• Website: childcareanswers.org/strengthenindy

Application Process

Specific step-by-step application details are not provided in the available content. However, the following information is known:

• Application Type: Competitive grant application process
• Eligible Applicants: Newly-opening or existing child care programs in identified high-need zip codes
• Selection Criteria: Child Care Answers selected programs based on:
  • Willingness to serve greatest needs in Indianapolis
  • Commitment to serving infants and toddlers
  • Commitment to accepting CCDF vouchers
  • Demonstrated commitment to quality care
  • Enrollment in Paths to QUALITY system
  • Ability to achieve Level 3 or higher rating

Note: Detailed application instructions, required materials, and submission procedures are not available in the provided website content. Prospective applicants should contact CCA directly for complete application information.