As a childcare provider, you face the double challenge of providing high-quality care and education to children, while keeping your center financially healthy. However, there are government grants, stipends, and other types of financial support available to ensure the sustainable operation of childcare centers. 

In the state of Washington, there are various childcare grants available. In this article, we help childcare providers navigate the complex world of funding opportunities, highlighting government agencies, professional development grants, and support from private foundations. 

What is a grant?

A grant is essentially financial support given to people or organizations that meet certain criteria, to help them grow, fund their services or projects, and support their day-to-day operations. Unlike loans, grants don't have to be paid back. They are given to promote a positive change in society or contribute in a meaningful way.

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 education^¹. 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. 

Childcare grants in Washington

Childcare grants in Washington serve as a critical tool in ensuring that providers can continue to offer exceptional, nurturing environments for the children they serve. Below, we break down the numerous opportunities available in the state of Washington.

Grants and resources from government agencies

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families is the lead state agency that oversees the distribution of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) in Washington. 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.

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) offers different funding opportunities to providers looking to revitalize their infrastructure, enhance their programs, or strengthen their social services, including: 

• Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant: This grant opportunity up to $1,000 is available every fiscal year and can be used to purchase curriculum, supplies, equipment, teaching materials, or to pay for minor renovations to the childcare facility. 
• Child Care Complex Needs Fund: This funding is to promote inclusive, least restrictive environments and to support those providers that serve children with developmental delays or disabilities. The money can be used for staffing, facility improvements, supportive equipment and materials, and teacher training. Eligible providers can apply for funding between $5,000 and $100,000.
• Early Childhood Equity Grant: This grant opportunity is also expected to be available to providers once per year and helps support culturally responsive learning environments and enhanced language access. 

• Working Connections Child Care (WCCC): While not a traditional grant, this subsidy assists low-income working families afford childcare. Providers qualify to offer these services, which secures consistent funding for their services.

• Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP): This is Washington’s state funded pre-k program for three- and four-year-olds. DCYF administers ECEAP through contracts with childcare centers and home-based programs, school districts, community colleges, local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.
• Quality Improvement Awards: These awards provide financial incentives for programs that meet or exceed state quality standards.

Early Learning Facilities Program 

The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program provides critical funding to ECEAP contractors and WCCC providers for the improvement, expansion, renovation, and establishment of early learning facilities. By offering financial assistance for pre-development, construction, and renovation projects, it ensures that childcare facilities meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Source

Professional development support

Investing in the professional development of childcare staff is crucial for maintaining quality in early childhood education. Below are grant and scholarship opportunities available to providers in Washington State.

Early Achievers Grant

The Early Achievers Grant offers financial assistance to employed childcare providers and early learning educators aiming to complete certificates and associate degrees in early childhood education.

Child Care Aware of Washington

Dedicated to the professional development of childcare providers, these scholarships assist with the cost of pursuing further education in early childhood education and related fields, ensuring providers have access to the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care.

Trauma-Informed Care Financial Awards

Financial awards of up to $1,200 are available to eligible providers who complete trauma-informed care training and education.

Grants from private foundations

Grants from private foundations often fill the gaps left by public funding, providing much-needed financial resources to various organizations and initiatives in the community. 

Seattle Foundation

The Seattle Foundation offers grants focusing on equity, education, and access within the Seattle region. Their competitive grant cycles run throughout the year. 

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is dedicated to nurturing and enriching the educational landscape of the Pacific Northwest, including Washington. It offers strategic project and infrastructure grants to various organizations.

The Norcliffe Foundation

This private family foundation funds nonprofit organizations that operate in the Puget Sound Region of Washington State.

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 Washington 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 Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington. 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 vital to the early childhood education field in Washington. They give childcare providers the financial boost needed to overcome daily hurdles and create environments where children can truly thrive.

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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