Grants for Oregon community-based organizations
The Child Care Capacity Building Fund supports community-based organizations that support child care providers in starting or growing their business.
Phase 1 funding is closed. Phase 2 is postponed until further notice.
Due to the amount and scale of interest forms submitted, we have postponed Phase 2. We will provide an update in summer 2023. We anticipate that applications will reopen in the fall of 2023. Subscribe for more information.
If you have already applied, you will receive an update by the end of June 2023. Check Submittable for more information.
Community-based organizations help child care providers build skills, grow businesses, and change lives.
If your organization coaches, supports, or mentors child care providers to start new programs, or strengthen or expand existing programs, you may be eligible for grant funding.
We’re focused on providing funds for communities where families face the greatest challenges getting the care they need.
How to apply
The Child Care Capacity Building Fund opens in phases. Phase 1 is closed and Phase 2 is postponed until further notice. We will provide another update this summer. We anticipate that applications will reopen in the fall of 2023.
Confirm your eligibility
Community-based organizations just starting or growing your work with providers are welcome to apply. To qualify, you must be located in and directly serve communities in Oregon, and fall into one of the following categories:
- Community-based 501(c)(3) organizations
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Child Care Resource and Referral agencies
- Joint labor management trusts
- Educational institutions and education service districts
- Professional support organizations that work with child care and other early learning providers
Learn when to apply
Phase 1 funding is now closed. Due to the amount and scale of interest forms submitted, we have postponed Phase 2. We will provide an update summer of 2023. Phase 2 funding will open to all eligible community-based organizations and entities. Priority groups who did not apply in Phase 1 are still invited to submit an interest form in Phase 2.
Submit an interest form
Eligible organizations interested in applying for the Child Care Capacity Building Fund can get started by completing an interest form. The form asks you to provide information about your organization and the project you’re proposing.
Watch your email for more instructions
After submitting your interest form, Submittable will send confirmation of receipt via email.
If you have already applied, you will receive an update by the end of June 2023. Check Submittable for more information.
We will review and select the community-based organizations who will be invited to participate in the final stage of the application process.
The Fund’s capacity is limited and not all applicants will be selected to move forward.
If selected, complete your full application
Organizations invited to move forward will receive information and tools to support you through the full application process.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my organization is eligible?
To qualify, you must be located in and care for children in Oregon, and fall into one of the following categories:
- Community-based 501(c)(3) organizations
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Child Care Resource and Referral agencies
- Joint labor management trusts
- Educational institutions and education service districts
- Professional support organizations that work with child care and other early learning providers
What phase of funding is now open?
Phase 1 funding is now closed. Phase 2 funding will open to all eligible community-based organizations at a later date.
Priority community-based organizations who did not apply in Phase 1 are still invited to submit an interest form in Phase 2.
How can I use the grant?
Funding is flexible, and can be used for the following:
Business support: Technology and software, business coaching and planning, marketing, project planning with contractors making improvement to your space.
Workforce support: Developing training programs and skills building, deepen providers’ skills working with children with developmental disabilities and delays, help covering providers’ fees for training and professional development requirements.
Sub-grants for providers’ initial operating costs: Early learning materials and supplies, insurance costs and licensing fees, up to six months of pay for staff.
Sub-grants for providers’ capital Improvements: Renovations and repairs needed both inside or outside your center or home, including new fencing and outdoor playground equipment
How much funding can I ask for?
You can ask for up to $2,000,000 to be used over two years. A budget that outlines how you will use the grant will be required.
My organization hasn’t started working with child care providers or care businesses yet. Can I still apply?
Eligible community-based organizations looking to start working with small business owners are welcome to apply.
The fund was open to me during the priority phase but I didn’t submit an interest form. Can I still move forward?
Yes. We encourage you to submit your interest form as soon as Phase 2 funding 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 each interest form and decide which projects move forward. The Steering Committee will also review each full application. They will use a scorecard that helps them compare projects and select those that best meet the needs for communities who face the greatest challenges accessing child care.
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
At the full application stage, the Steering Committee will make decisions using this scorecard.
If my organization applied for or has already received a grant from other funds to support our work with child care providers, can I still submit an interest form for this fund?
Yes. We will consider all applications, however we will prioritize community-based organizations that haven’t received similar funding from the Oregon Legislature.