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

United States (National)

A microgrant program exclusively for women small business owners awards $500 each fall cycle — fast application, low competition, and open to any industry including childcare. Applications open September 1, 2026.

Women | Microgrant | Small Business | For-Profit | Fall 2026 | Childcare Eligible

Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout 2026 while funds are available

Tennessee

A grant for new Tennessee childcare programs in the pre-licensure process, providing startup funding of up to $1,000 per licensed slot.

Childcare-Specific | New Provider Grant | Tennessee | Startup | For-Profit Eligible

FY27 Round 1 Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 | Funding Request Due: May 14, 2026 | Payments begin June/July 2026

Illinois

An Illinois state grant providing ongoing quarterly funding to licensed childcare providers to raise staff wages and improve classroom quality.

Childcare-Specific | Workforce Wage Grant | Illinois | For-Profit and Nonprofit

September Monthly Grant Deadline: August 31, 2026 | Annual $10,000 Education & Childcare Award: September 30, 2026

National (United States)

A $10,000 annual grant specifically for women-owned businesses in the Education and Childcare industry, awarded each September.

Childcare-Specific | Women-Owned Grant | Education & Childcare | For-Profit

Rolling applications accepted year-round through local USDA Rural Development state offices; funding available through September 30, 2026

Rural United States (communities of 20,000 or fewer)

A federal grant funding essential community facilities in rural areas — including childcare centers — for construction, renovation, and equipment.

Childcare-Specific | Rural Childcare Grant | Federal | For-Profit and Nonprofit

Q4 2026 Application Window: October 1 – November 30, 2026

National (United States)

A quarterly small business grant supporting underserved entrepreneurs — childcare business owners are encouraged to apply.

Small Business Grant | Childcare Eligible | Women-Owned | Minority-Owned | Quarterly

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

United States (National)

Three Black-owned startups will each receive $50,000 this year in one of the most substantial corporate grants available for Black entrepreneurs. If you are a Black-owned childcare business and can submit a strong pitch video, this is one to prioritize. Deadline: June 1, 2026.

Black-Owned Business | Startup | For-Profit | 2026 | Childcare Eligible

Annual cycle; applications open Summer 2026 — check ChildcareTennessee.com for exact open date

Tennessee

An annual grant for licensed Tennessee childcare providers to improve equipment, programs, supplies, and operational quality.

Childcare-Specific | Quality Improvement Grant | Tennessee | For-Profit Eligible

Rolling applications throughout 2026 while funds are available

Tennessee

A grant for existing licensed Tennessee childcare agencies expanding their capacity, awarding up to $1,000 per new licensed slot.

Childcare-Specific | Expansion Grant | Tennessee | For-Profit Eligible

Cycle 2 Application Window: May 1 – July 15, 2026 | Cycle 3: August 1 – November 15, 2026

National — must be near a Walmart or Sam's Club store

A quarterly local grant supporting nonprofits and community organizations — childcare and early learning organizations are a priority eligible category.

Childcare-Specific | Community Grant | Nonprofit and Public Entities | National

Cycle 3 Application Window: August 1 – November 15, 2026

National — must be near a Walmart or Sam's Club store

The fall cycle of a local community grant program, open to nonprofits and public entities including childcare and early education organizations.

Childcare-Specific | Community Grant | Nonprofit | National | Fall Cycle

FY27 Round expected to open Summer 2026; next confirmed deadline August 12, 2026

Minnesota

A competitive Minnesota state grant funding community-led solutions to the childcare shortage, including startup, expansion, facility modifications, and workforce retention.

Childcare-Specific | Economic Development | Minnesota | Expansion | For-Profit Eligible

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