Grant of up to $25,000 for childcare start-up businesses almost ready to open. Designed for providers in the pre-licensing or early licensing phase to cover start-up costs and initial operations. Administered by the WBDC with ongoing application cycles throughout 2026.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quarterly $2,500 cash grant open to any legally registered U.S. small business owner over age 21, including for-profit childcare providers. Apply with a short narrative about your business and your plans for the funds. Simple, story-based application.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.