Grants for Oregon child care providers
The Child Care Capacity Building Fund supports the child care providers who families rely on.
Applications are currently closed.
Phase 1 funding is closed. Phase 2 is postponed until further notice. We will provide another update this summer. We anticipate that applications will reopen in fall 2023.
If you have already applied, you will receive an update by the end of June 2023. You will receive the information through Submittable. Check here for more information.
The care you give brings joy to children and peace of mind to families. With this grant, we are supporting child care providers like you who make a difference for so many.
Grants are for providers who will use the funding to care for more children in Oregon — whether you are just starting or growing your business. Funding is flexible and can be for things like:
- Supplies, furnishings and materials needed for classrooms and early learning spaces
- Repairs or updates to a child care center or home-based facilities
- Outdoor play structures, new fencing and other equipment
- Up to six months of start-up funding, including wages for staff
- Technology and software
- Insurance costs and licensing fees
We’re focused on providing funds for communities where families face the greatest challenges getting the care they need.
Eligibility and timeline
The Child Care Capacity Building Fund opens in phases, with a focus on communities where families’ child care needs are least likely to be met.
Phase 1 funding is now closed. If you have already applied, you will receive an update by the end of June 2023. Check Submittable for more information.
More information about the second phase of funding will be shared this summer. We anticipate that applications will reopen in fall 2023.
How to apply
Confirm your eligibility
Step 1. Confirm your eligibility. Providers that are ready to start or those working to expand a care business are welcome to apply.
To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be located in and care for children in Oregon, and fall into one of the following categories.
- Registered subsidy child care providers
- Recorded child care providers
- Licensed child care providers – registered family, certified family, certified center
- School districts
- Publicly funded care providers, including Relief Nurseries, Head Start, Preschool for All, Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Preschool Promise, the Oregon Early Learning Equity Fund
The Fund will prioritize investing in providers and organizations that serve:
- Black, Indigenous, and all children and families of color
- Children and families who speak languages other than English
- Children with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ children and families
- Infants and toddlers
Your proposal must show how you will offer more child care slots in Oregon.
The Fund will also prioritize investing in providers and organizations that provide one or more of the following types of care:
- Swing shift and non-traditional care hours
- Publicly funded care
- Care in rural areas and extreme child care deserts
Learn when to apply
Step 2. Learn when to apply. Phase 1 funding is closed. Phase 2 funding is postponed until further notice. We will provide another update this summer. We anticipate that applications will reopen in fall 2023.
Submit an interest form
When the second round of funding opens, all eligible providers can get started by completing an interest form for the Child Care Capacity Building Fund.
The interest form asks for information on the families and children you care for, how you will use the grant and how much funding you need.
Priority child care providers: Contact us for help with your interest form.
Watch your email for more instructions
After submitting your interest form, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Submittable that we received it.
If you have already applied, you will receive an update by the end of June 2023. Check Submittable for more information.
The Fund’s capacity is limited and not all applicants will be funded. We will review interest forms you’ll receive one of three decisions via email:
- Your project has been approved for funding and you don’t need to do anything else. (for projects under $10,000).
- Your project has been invited to submit a full application.
- Your project has been declined.
If invited, submit a full application
The full application will ask for some more information about your project. If you requested help and/or a full application in languages other than English, we will make sure your request is honored.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I’m an eligible provider?
To qualify, you must be located in and care for children in Oregon, and fall into one of the following categories.
- Registered subsidy child care providers
- Recorded child care providers
- Licensed child care providers – registered family, certified family, certified center
- School districts
- Publicly funded care providers
Providers who are working on obtaining their license can still apply.
The Fund will prioritize investing in providers and organizations that serve one or more of the priority populations:
- Black, Indigenous, and all children and families of color
- Children and families who speak languages other than English
- Children with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ children and families
- Infants and toddlers
Your proposal must show how you will expand the number of child care slots in Oregon
The Fund will also prioritize investing in providers and organizations that provide one or more of the following types of care:
- Swing shift and non-traditional care hours
- Publicly funded care
- Care in rural areas and extreme child care deserts
What phase of funding is now open?
Phase 1 funding is closed. Due to the amount and scale of interest forms submitted, Phase 2 is postponed until further notice. We will provide an update in the summer.
Phase 2 funding will be open to all eligible providers. Priority groups who did not apply in Phase 1 are still invited to submit an interest form in Phase 2. We anticipate that applications will reopen in fall 2023.
How can I use the grant?
Funding is flexible, and can be used for the following:
Workforce support: Training or professional development for you or your staff
Initial operating costs: Early learning materials and supplies, insurance costs and licensing fees, up to six months of pay for staff
Capital Improvements: Renovations and repairs needed to expand child care slots. Work can be done both inside or outside your center, including new fencing and outdoor playground equipment
How much funding can I ask for?
You can ask for up to $100,000 if you’re a home-based provider and up to $500,000 if you’re a center-based provider, depending on the type and scope of your project. A budget that outlines how you will use the grant will be required in the full application phase.
What do I need to complete my interest form?
The interest form asks about the families and children you care for, how you will use the grant and how much funding you need. Want to check it out before you get started? You can download the interest form here.
What if I make a mistake in the process?
We want you to be successful in completing your application. If we see a problem, we’ll follow up with you to help fix it. Or you can request to edit your application by emailing childcare@seedingjustice.org.
How much time do I have to complete my interest form?
In Phase 2, we will accept interest forms from all eligible providers. We will review interest forms and invite Phase 2 applicants to submit full applications by the end of June. Check Submittable for updates.
The fund was open to me during the priority phase but I didn’t submit an interest form. Can I still be considered for funding?
Yes. We encourage you to submit your interest form as soon as Phase 2 opens. Contact us if you need help with the interest form.
How are funding decisions being made?
The Child Care Capacity Building Fund’s Steering Committee will review all forms and applications and make final decisions. The Steering Committee is a community-led body composed of representatives from the following organizations:
- Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)
- Children’s Institute
- Family Forward Oregon
- Imagine Black Futures
- Oregon AFSCME Council 75
- Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (ORAEYC)
- Unite Oregon
- United We Heal Training Trust
The Steering Committee is reviewing interest forms using this scorecard.
If I applied for other funds or have already received a grant from other sources to support my business, can I still submit an interest form for this fund?
Yes. Eligible providers are welcome to apply.
Does my proposal need to add slots to my childcare business?
Yes. All proposals must add additional childcare slots to be considered.
Can I use this grant to buy a new building or house?
No, funds cannot be used to purchase property.
