APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (FY27)
Informational Webinars: Check ISBE website for dates
USA: Illinois (statewide)
Grant Short Description: Offering competitive multi-year grants to licensed childcare programs to expand preschool access for 3- and 4-year-olds. Applications are open now with a deadline of June 30, 2026. Both for-profit and nonprofit licensed childcare centers and family group childcare homes may apply.
Important Dates: Applications Open: April 17, 2026 (opened)
Tag: Grants to childcare centers and homes
Deadline: Ongoing — rolling applications accepted continuously
Applications have been accepted since February 1, 2024
Grant Period: Ongoing through the 3-year pilot program
For-profit providers eligible since: July 1, 2025
USA: Tennessee (statewide — must be TDHS-licensed)
Offers rolling grants from a $15 million/year pool for licensed childcare providers who partner with a local employer to expand childcare capacity. As of July 2025, both for-profit and nonprofit providers are eligible. No application deadline — submissions accepted on an ongoing basis.
Grants to childcare centers, preschools, homes, and small businesses
Q2 Application Close: April 30, 2026
Q2 Review Completed: May 31, 2026
Q2 Winner Announced: June 30, 2026
Future Deadlines: July 31, 2026 (Q3) | October 31, 2026 (Q4)
USA: National (all 50 states)
A quarterly $5,000 grant for U.S. for-profit small businesses creating measurable community impact. Childcare businesses are a natural fit — serving families and children in their community. Q2 applications are open now with a deadline of April 30, 2026. Awards are given each quarter.
Grants to small business owners
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2026 (URGENT)
Board Review: July 2026
Awards Distributed: August 2026
Next Deadline: October 1, 2026
USA: National (accepts applications from all 50 states; historically New England-focused)
A national foundation awards seed grants of $1,000–$25,000 to nonprofits launching innovative, experimental early childhood education projects directly benefiting children. Day care projects are eligible if they are specific and innovative. Deadline is April 1, 2026 — apply now.
Grants to childcare centers and homes
Applications Open: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Funding Request Due: May 14, 2026
Payments Begin: July 2026 (split between June and July)
IMPORTANT: Mandatory orientation must be completed before portal unlocks — allow 24 hours after completion
USA: Illinois (statewide)
Illinois licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes can apply for quarterly cash grants to raise staff wages — with no increase to parent fees or co-pays. Awards are structured per classroom and paid quarterly. Applications open April 1–30, 2026. Both for-profit and nonprofit providers are eligible.
Grants to childcare centers and homes
Deadline: Rolling — reviewed monthly until funds are depleted
Applications Open: Now open
Virginia:Richmond, Virginia region (Richmond City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and surrounding counties)
A Richmond-area foundation offers flexible rolling grants up to $25,000 for small, local nonprofit childcare programs with annual budgets under $750,000. Applications are reviewed monthly until funds are depleted — making this an accessible, low-barrier opportunity for smaller organizations.
Grants for Local Childcare Programs
Important Dates: Application Period: April 1 – May 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
Funds must be fully expended by December 31, 2026
USA: Washington State
Offering competitive capital grants to nonprofits, public entities, tribes, schools, and for-profit businesses to renovate, purchase, or construct early learning and childcare facilities. Applications are open April 1–May 30, 2026. Grants cover capital costs only.
Grants to childcare centers, homes, and preschools
Deadline: Rolling — ongoing basis (no set closing date)
USA: Tennessee
Grant program that offers licensed childcare providers at least $4,000 for equipment, program supplies, and coaching. Separate Establishment Grants (up to $100,000) and Expansion Grants (up to $100,000) are also available for new and growing programs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing, rolling basis.
Grants to childcare centers and homes
Important Dates: Application Window Opens: April 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
Semi-finalists Notified: May 2026
Finalists Notified: June 2026
Recipients Announced: Mid-July 2026
Grant Summit: Mid-September 2026
USA: For-profit businesses with a physical location or headquarters mailing address in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. (Michigan and Texas eligible if within 100 miles of a BMO branch.)
A major U.S. bank awards 15 grants of $10,000 each to for-profit small businesses whose work advances opportunities for women. Childcare businesses are a strong fit — providing education-focused programs and services designed to support women and girls. Applications close April 23, 2026.
Grants to small business owners
Application Opens: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 9:00 PM PST
Internal Review: May 11–15, 2026
Follow-Up Period: May 18–29, 2026
Award Date: Late June 2026
USA: California – Santa Barbara County only
A California community foundation offers grants up to $50,000 to licensed nonprofit childcare providers helping working families afford care in Santa Barbara County. Application opens April 1 and closes April 30, 2026.
Grants to childcare centers and homes
Round 2 LOI Deadline: May 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM CST
Round 2 Full Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Awards Announced: September 2026
USA: Kansas and northwest Missouri (rural catchment area — see pattersonfamilyfoundation.org for county list)
A family foundation focused on rural communities in Kansas and northwest Missouri is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for Round 2 of their 2026 grant cycle. Grants support early childhood, childcare access, and rural community vitality. LOIs are accepted through May 13, 2026, with full applications due June 29, 2026.
Grants to childcare centers and homes
Phase 1 Application Deadline: June 11, 2026 at 5:59 PM MT Phase 2 Detailed Questionnaire Sent: June 17, 2026 (to eligible Phase 1 applicants only) Phase 2 Questionnaire Deadline: June 24, 2026 at 5:59 PM MT Winners Announced: Later in 2026 (exact date not specified)
USA: National (all 50 states) and Canada (excluding Quebec)
A $250,000 grant program for home and community service business owners, including in-home childcare and caregiving providers. Nine grants are awarded ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000, with a fast 5-minute application. Open to U.S. and Canadian small businesses. Applications close June 11, 2026.
Grants for small business childcare owners
