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2026 Grant Cycle

USA: Idaho

Idaho is funding licensed childcare providers who want to grow their programs and stabilize operations — backed by state and federal childcare support dollars with for-profit eligibility.

Childcare Expansion; Idaho; Stabilization; For-Profit; Nonprofit

Opening Soon application release will be announced through the MSDE IMPACT news

Maryland

Maryland childcare providers who complete professional development can receive state money to buy the classroom supplies and equipment that put that training into action — a direct quality upgrade funded by the state.

Childcare Quality | Maryland | For-Profit | FY27 | Materials Equipment

2026 Round —

Colorado

Colorado childcare providers wanting to open new programs or expand existing ones can access state grants covering startup and capacity expansion costs — for-profit providers fully eligible. Check the state website for the current 2026 round.

Childcare Expansion | Colorado | For-Profit | 2026 | Startup Expansion

Ongoing / Rolling

United States (National)

Women-led businesses generating $100K or more in revenue now have access to a dedicated $5,000 grant with no donor strings. If you have been building your childcare business and hitting real revenue milestones, this one was made for you.

Women-Owned Business | For-Profit | 2026 | Childcare Eligible | Revenue $100K+

Application Deadline: June 19, 2026

United States (National)

Women-led businesses that have crossed the $100K revenue mark and are ready to scale can access a $5,000 grant specifically designed for growth-stage entrepreneurs — including those running childcare businesses. Deadline: June 19, 2026.

Women Entrepreneur | Small Business | For-Profit | 2026 | Revenue $100K+ | Childcare Eligible

Annual program — Prior cycles opened July; check mainstreet.org for the 2026 application window

United States (National)

Four hundred small businesses across the U.S. receive $10,000 each for community-building projects — and childcare is one of the most community-essential businesses there is. Watch for the 2026 summer application window; prior cycles opened in July.

Small Business | Community | For-Profit | 2026 | Childcare Eligible | Annual

Application Opens: September 1, 2026 | Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Guilford County, North Carolina

Licensed childcare programs in one NC county can access dedicated funding to add infant and toddler slots — the most in-demand and most under-resourced age group in the country. Applications open September 1.

Childcare Expansion | Infant & Toddler | North Carolina | Fall 2026

FY2026 funds currently available

New York State

New York State released an additional $100 million for childcare facility construction and renovation — and for-profit providers are eligible. If you have been dreaming of expanding or upgrading your facility, this is the largest state childcare capital grant program currently open.

Childcare Capital Construction | New York | For-Profit | FY26 | Renovation Equipment

Application Deadline: August 27, 2026

Illinois (non-metropolitan communities)

Illinois small businesses in non-metropolitan communities — including childcare centers serving working families — can access federal community development funding to grow and expand. Deadline: August 27, 2026.

Small Business | Community Development | Illinois | For-Profit | 2026 | Childcare Eligible

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

United States (National)

A grant designed for women entrepreneurs who are ready for their next breakthrough — $5,000 plus mentorship and coaching to accelerate women-owned businesses including those in childcare. Deadline: September 18, 2026.

Women Entrepreneur | Small Business | For-Profit | 2026 | Childcare Eligible

Application Deadline: June 22, 2026

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania small businesses — including childcare providers — can apply for state grant awards of $30,000–$50,000 with a June 22, 2026 deadline. One of the highest-value mid-size grant opportunities currently open in the state.

Small Business | Pennsylvania | For-Profit | June 2026 | Childcare Eligible

Application Deadline: June 18, 2026

United States (National)

A nationally recognized private foundation is accepting applications for early childhood education grants with a June 18, 2026 deadline. Organizations improving outcomes for young children in underserved communities are especially competitive.

Early Childhood Education | Foundation Grant | 2026 | Childcare | Nonprofit

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