Grants for Daycare
Daycare providers and childcare centers can access federal and state grants for facility improvements, quality enhancement, staff training, equipment purchases, and program expansion. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is the primary federal funding source, administered through state agencies. Below are 16 verified grant opportunities from government agencies.
Types of Grants Available
Facility Improvements
Renovation, playground equipment, safety upgrades, accessibility modifications, and expansion projects for licensed centers.
Quality Enhancement
Program accreditation, curriculum development, assessment tools, educational materials, and quality rating improvements.
Staff Training & Development
Professional development, CDA certification, college coursework, conference attendance, and coaching programs for educators.
Startup & Expansion
New center startup costs, infant/toddler program expansion, after-hours care, and capacity increases in underserved areas.
Eligibility Requirements
Most daycare grants are available to licensed providers serving low-to-moderate income families. Specific eligibility varies by program:
- Licensing: Must be a licensed or registered childcare provider (center-based or family childcare home)
- Quality Standards: Many grants require participation in state quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS)
- Population Served: Priority for providers serving low-income families, subsidized care recipients, or underserved communities
- Accreditation: Some grants require or prioritize NAEYC, NAFCC, or other national accreditation
- Matching Funds: Some grants require 10-25% local match or in-kind contributions
Available Grant Opportunities
These grants are currently accepting applications. Each links to the official government agency page where you can review eligibility and apply.
YouthBuild 2025
OVC FY25 Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program (IVTP), and the Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans' with Children Reintegration Grant Program (HWVHVWC) (referred to collectively as HVRP)
2025–26 After School Education and Safety grant program (Round 2)
The purpose of the After School Education and Safety Program is to create incentives for establishing locally-driven Expanded Learning programs, including after school programs that partner with publi...
Children's Hospital Program of 2008 – Children's Hospitals (3rd funding round)
The purpose of the program is to improve the health and welfare of California's critically ill children, by providing a stable and ready source of funds for capital improvement projects for children's...
Children's Hospital Program of 2018 -Children's Hospitals
The purpose of the program is to improve the health and welfare of California’s critically ill children, by providing a stable and ready source of funds for capital improvement projects for children's...
Explore the Coast Overnight
The Explore the Coast Overnight Program aims to create more opportunities for all Californians to stay overnight at the coast through the expansion or construction of hotels, motels, hostels, campgrou...
ESG Program - Florida Department Of Children And Families
Grants to support emergency shelter and homelessness prevention activities. Administered by Florida Department Of Children And Families serving Florida Department Of Children And Families, Florida....
CSBG Program - State Of Wisconsin Dept Of Children & Families
Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by State Of Wisconsin Dept Of Children & Families serving State Of Wisconsin Dept ...
CSBG Program - Mn Dept Of Children Youth And Families
Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Mn Dept Of Children Youth And Families serving Mn Dept Of Children Youth An...
TANF Program - Florida Department Of Children And Families
Block grants to states for programs that provide assistance to needy families. Administered by Florida Department Of Children And Families serving Florida Department Of Children And Families....
TANF Program - State Of Wisconsin Dept Of Children & Families
Block grants to states for programs that provide assistance to needy families. Administered by State Of Wisconsin Dept Of Children & Families serving State Of Wisconsin Dept Of Children & Families....
TANF Program - Louisiana Department Of Children And Family Services
Block grants to states for programs that provide assistance to needy families. Administered by Louisiana Department Of Children And Family Services serving Louisiana Department Of Children And Family ...
TANF Program - Kansas Department For Children And Families
Block grants to states for programs that provide assistance to needy families. Administered by Kansas Department For Children And Families serving Kansas Department For Children And Families....
TANF Program - Mn Dept Of Children Youth And Families
Block grants to states for programs that provide assistance to needy families. Administered by Mn Dept Of Children Youth And Families serving Mn Dept Of Children Youth And Families....
How to Apply for Daycare Grants
- Contact Your State CCDF Administrator - Start with your state's Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) office, which administers most federal childcare grants. Find contact info at childcareta.acf.hhs.gov.
- Verify Licensing & Quality Standards - Ensure your license is current and you meet state quality standards. Consider joining your state's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) if not already enrolled.
- Identify Funding Priorities - Review state plans for CCDBG priorities (often infant/toddler care, rural areas, non-traditional hours, or quality improvements).
- Prepare Documentation - Gather business license, tax ID, program description, enrollment data, budget, staff credentials, and quality improvement plans.
- Submit Application - Complete state application forms through designated portal or local resource and referral agency. Include detailed project descriptions and cost estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCDBG and how do I access it?
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is the primary federal funding source for childcare programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. States receive CCDBG funds and distribute them through their child care agencies. Contact your state's CCDF administrator (find them at childcareta.acf.hhs.gov) to learn about available grants, quality improvement funding, and professional development opportunities.
Do family childcare homes qualify for grants?
Yes, licensed family childcare homes are eligible for many grants including CCDBG quality improvement funds, professional development scholarships, and equipment grants. Some states specifically target home-based providers with startup grants, facility improvements, and accreditation support. Home providers should contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for assistance navigating available funding.
What grants help with playground equipment and safety upgrades?
Many states allocate CCDBG quality funds specifically for health and safety improvements including playground equipment, fencing, first aid supplies, fire safety systems, and accessibility modifications. Additionally, some states offer facility improvement grants for major renovations or expansions. Check with your state childcare agency or local CCR&R about available facility grant programs and eligible expenses.
Can grants help pay for staff training and CDA certification?
Yes, most states use CCDBG funds to support professional development including Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, college coursework, conference attendance, and specialized training. Many states offer scholarships or stipends that cover tuition, fees, books, and release time. Some states also provide wage supplements or bonuses for staff who complete credentials or degrees in early childhood education.
How long does it take to receive grant funding?
Timeline varies by grant type and state. Quality improvement mini-grants ($500-$5,000) may be approved within 2-6 weeks. Larger facility improvement or expansion grants ($10,000-$100,000+) typically take 2-6 months from application to award. Professional development scholarships are often available on a rolling basis with quick turnaround. Contact your state agency for specific program timelines.
What makes a strong childcare grant application?
Strong applications demonstrate clear alignment with state priorities (e.g., infant care, quality ratings, underserved areas), include detailed budgets with quotes, show how funding improves child outcomes, document current quality practices and staff credentials, include letters of support from parents or community partners, and provide photos or documentation of need (e.g., outdated equipment, facility conditions). Highlight your participation in QRIS or progress toward accreditation.
Childcare Grant Resources
State CCDF Contacts
Find your state's Child Care Development Fund administrator and learn about available grants.
Find State Contact →Child Care Aware
National network of Child Care Resource & Referral agencies offering grant assistance and professional development.
Visit Child Care Aware →NAEYC Accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation can unlock additional grant opportunities.
Learn About Accreditation →CDA Council
Information about Child Development Associate credential and scholarship opportunities for early childhood educators.
Visit CDA Council →