Childcare providers play a critical role in our communities, providing a safe and supportive environment for children as they grow and learn. However, the financial burden of maintaining quality childcare services can be heavy. In California, childcare grants are one of the crucial resources available to assist providers in serving families effectively.

For providers looking to enhance their services or expand their offerings, understanding and leveraging childcare grants can make these goals a reality. This guide will walk you through the essentials of applying for childcare grants in California, demonstrating how these resources can be a game-changer for your childcare business.

What is a grant?

Before delving into the specifics of California’s childcare grants, it's essential to understand what a grant is. A grant is a financial award given by an organization, often a government agency, for a specific purpose or project. Unlike loans, grants typically do not have to be repaid, which makes them an attractive funding solution for many businesses, including childcare providers.

Grants can vary in terms of the coverage they provide and eligibility requirements. They can fund anything from operational expenses and new programs to staff training and facility improvements. When considering grants, it’s important to look for those that align with the specific needs and goals of your childcare business.

The U.S. government’s second and final funding package for fiscal year 2024 includes a $1 billion increase for programs focused on child care and early childhood education¹. This new funding includes an additional $275 million for the Head Start program and $725 million for the Child Care and Development Block Grant which funds state efforts to provide child care to families and improve the quality of care.

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Childcare grants in California

California is committed to providing support and resources to its childcare community. There are various types of grants available to assist childcare providers in the state with different needs.

Grants and resources from government agencies

The California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) are the primary state agencies in California that oversee the distribution of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This funding can be in the form of certificates, grants, or contracts to provide childcare services to low-income families or improve the quality of care provided. 

California Department of Education

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides funding and grants to schools and other organizations for various educational purposes, including childcare providers. For example, one grant, the Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program (IEEEP), aims to increase access for young children from birth to five years old, including children with disabilities, in inclusive early care and education programs. 

California Department of Social Services

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care and Development Division (CCDD), handles applications for the General Child Care and Development (CCTR) program funds. These funds aim to offer direct services to children in California from birth to thirteen years old in center-based or home-based childcare settings.

Child care and development programs

The state of California offers multiple subsidized child care and development programs for families and childcare providers. Programs like CalWORKs and the Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) use federal and state funding to give vouchers to eligible low-income families to pay for childcare. 

California also contracts directly with center-based and home-based childcare providers to participate in certain childcare and development programs like the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for a set number of slots, following certain regulations for safety and staff qualifications. 

Professional development support

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) provide numerous initiatives and programs that focus on enhancing the quality of childcare services in the state. These include system infrastructure support, early learning resources, and professional development support to those working in the childcare and early education fields.

Some examples include:

California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network delivers consultation services, resources, and training for early learning center-based and home-based care providers and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers at no cost.

Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC)

The PITC provides online training, webinars, and resources for infant and toddler care providers.

Resource and Referral (R&R) programs

Resource and Referral (R&R) programs are located in every county in the state and provide a variety of services to families looking for child care and childcare providers. R&Rs help recruit and train childcare providers, offer professional development resources and incentives, and assist potential providers with the licensing process. 

Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP)

The CCIP is a state funded project aimed at boosting care quality and expanding supply. It involves helping unlicensed providers obtain licensure, assisting small home-based providers to grow their capacity and cater to infants and toddlers, and implementing strategies for the retention of childcare providers.

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Grants from private foundations

In addition to state-funded grants, California's childcare providers can also explore opportunities from private foundations. These grants often focus on specific goals such as improving educational outcomes, supporting underprivileged communities, or innovating in early childhood education. 

Unlike government grants, private foundations may offer more flexibility in how funds can be used, allowing providers to tailor the support to their unique needs. Some examples of private foundation grants include:

The California Endowment

The California Endowment is a foundation focused on health and wellness in underserved communities, which includes supporting programs that offer childcare services as part of a broader wellness initiative. Their regional focus areas include the majority of California and types of funding include single and multi-year grants, program support grants, and specific project grants. They typically fund 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, California state and local government entities, and faith-based organizations that service all members of the community.

The Packard Foundation

The Packard Foundation’s California Communities Initiative supports partners that work to improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Funding opportunities can be found on their website and are typically made only for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes.

The PNC Foundation

Through its Grow Up Great initiative, the PNC Foundation supports early childhood education efforts, offering grants to providers for curriculum development, teacher training, and classroom resources in California and beyond.

Federal grants and funding opportunities

The federal government offers a variety of grants and funding opportunities to support childcare providers across the United States, including California. These grants are designed to improve access to quality childcare, support the professional development of childcare workers, and enhance the learning environments for children under their care. Some key federal funding sources include:

U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers discretionary grants that are awarded using a competitive process, as well as student loans or grants to attend college, and formula grants determined by Congress. Here are some helpful resources to explore:

• ED grants homepage: The ED grants homepage allows you to browse funding opportunities, links to grant applications, and your eligibility status.
• Grants.gov: The Grants.gov website is the central location that provides information on grants across the federal government. You can search for and apply to different funding opportunities, determine your eligibility, and access grant writing tips. 
• Head Start and Early Head Start Programs: Aimed at promoting school readiness for children under five from low-income families, these programs provide grants directly to public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services. The Office of Head Start (OHS) posts notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) that seek applications for grand funds. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) manages various financial assistance programs for rural applications. One example is the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program that provides funds to be used to purchase, construct and/or improve essential community facilities like childcare centers, purchase equipment, and pay related project expenses in rural areas with no more than 20,000 residents.

Applying for grants

Applying for childcare grants in California can be a competitive process, as funding is often limited. To increase your chances of receiving a grant, it’s essential to carefully review and follow all application guidelines and requirements. Here are some general steps to take when applying for childcare grants:

• Meet all licensing requirements: Ensure that your program meets all of the licensing requirements in California. Maintaining licensing compliance shows a commitment to high-quality standards and is often also required for you to be eligible for specific grants and funding opportunities.
• Do your research and determine your eligibility: Research available grants and determine which ones align with your needs and goals. Before applying, check to see that you meet all the necessary criteria. Most (but not all) government grants are aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, so be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully.
• Gather your documentation: Most grant applications will ask for specific documentation, such as financial statements, demographic information, licenses, and certifications. Be sure to have these prepared in advance. With brightwheel you can quickly and easily access custom reporting to meet your specific needs.
• Write a compelling grant proposal: Read successful grant applications to learn how to structure your approach. Include an executive summary of your project and clearly define the need or problem your childcare services address. Provide a detailed description of your program and list your objectives and expected outcomes. Follow all grant application instructions, have someone else review your proposal before submitting, and submit your application on time. 

Additional tips for success

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when applying for grants for your childcare center:

• Stay informed: Connect and engage with local and state organizations focused on early childhood education. If possible, join their email lists or follow their social media pages, as these organizations will often share grant and funding information as it becomes available. Also, regularly check the websites of federal agencies to stay informed on available grants or programs. 
• Create a budget: A comprehensive childcare center budget will highlight the financial needs and priorities of your program and give funders a clear understanding of how a grant will be utilized. With a clear picture of your program’s finances, you can also maximize the impact of any funding that is received.
• Plan a fundraiser: Hosting a fundraising event can raise necessary funds for your program. Have a bake sale, organize a silent auction, or host a trivia night. 
• Hire a grant writer: If your budget allows, consider hiring a grant writer. A grant writer can craft a compelling narrative about your program and navigate the complexities of the grant application process for you.

Final thoughts

Childcare grants are a helpful resource for providers looking to enhance their services and make a real difference in their communities. Getting to know the available grants, making sure you meet the criteria, and putting together a solid application can really boost your chances of getting funding. With this support, childcare providers can continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of our children and communities.

1. “Former Preschool Teacher Patty Murray Delivers $1 Billion More to Help Families Find and Afford Child Care & Pre-K”, United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, 03/21/2024.

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