Child Care Grant Funds Available

GRANT FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE FOR NEW AND EXISTING CHILD CARES

 

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program is still accepting applications for grant funding for new and existing child care programs. If you were issued a new or expanded license capacity after March 28, 2022, or you are currently planning to start a new facility or expand your current license capacity, you are eligible to receive an award and are encouraged to apply.

 

Applying requires completing a two-step application process. Each application is expected to have a processing time of up to 5 weeks from the time of submission. The Department is accepting Application 1 until June 30, 2024 and Application 2 until August 31, 2024, or until all funds are awarded, whichever occurs first. The Department is accepting applications for the following categories:

 

• Family Child Care Start Up: eligible for up to 75% of start-up costs, with a max award amount of $8,500. Up to $25,000 is available for those adding a room exclusively for their child care business.
• Family Child Care Growth: eligible for up to 50% of expansion costs, with a max award amount of $4,000. Up to $25,000 is available for those adding a room exclusively for their child care business.
• Facility Start Up: eligible for up to 50% of start-up costs (including renovations), with a max award amount of $80,000.
• Facility Expansion: eligible for up to 50% of expansion costs (including renovations), with a max award amount of $30,000.
• Facility Acquisition: eligible for up to 50% of acquisition costs, with a max award amount of $25,000.

 

Standard eligibility requirements apply. One grant award permitted per license. Additional information including eligibility requirements, FAQs, and grant applications can be found at: Maine State Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program - CEI (ceimaine.org). Please do not hesitate to reach out to DHHS, CC Infrastructure Grant at CCInfrastructureGrant.DHHS@maine.gov for further information/questions.