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Quarterly deadlines, 4:30 p.m. local time at the USDA Rural Development State Office: September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 each fiscal year. The next deadline after September 1, 2026 is September 30, 2026, followed by December 31, 2026.

USA: Rural areas nationwide served by participating RUS electric and telecommunications borrowers and not-for-profit utilities

Federal zero-interest funding channeled through rural utilities to create revolving loan funds that finance rural business projects, including child care facility start-up, expansion, equipment, and working capital.

Rural; Federal; Start-Up; Facility; Revolving Loan Fund; Quarterly

WATCH LIST ITEM. The Fall 2026 cycle's LOI deadline (June 18, 2026) and full proposal deadline (July 28, 2026) have passed; only finalists remain active, with site visits September-October 2026 and awards announced December 2026. The Foundation runs spring and fall cycles — monitor the Current Funding Opportunities page for the next open LOI window.

USA: Nationwide. Additional consideration given to organizations in states where the Foundation has not recently invested, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Up to $150,000 over three years to strengthen an established professional development system at an early childhood provider. The Fall 2026 entry point has closed; track this for the next cycle.

National; Nonprofit Only; Professional Development; Workforce; Multi-Year; Watch List

Application Available: July 1, 2026; Mandatory Letter of Intent Deadline: August 26, 2026, by midnight; Final Application Deadline: September 2, 2026, by midnight; Decisions Announced: October 29, 2026

USA: Isabella County, Michigan

This competitive community cycle supports nonprofit projects addressing critical local needs, with early care and education receiving priority in 2026. Eligible childcare organizations may seek project or capital support benefiting Isabella County.

Childcare; Early Care and Education; Michigan; Nonprofit Only; Community Project; Capital Improvement; Mandatory LOI

Application Deadlines: September 1, 2026; December 15, 2026

USA: Primarily Hawaii; invited mainland U.S. applications are rarely funded

This private grant opportunity supports early childhood education for children from birth through age five, including operating requests. Eligible charitable preschools and early learning organizations may apply after completing the required initial contact.

Early Childhood; Hawaii; Nonprofit; Education; Operations

Applications accepted on a rolling basis; no deadline

USA (National)

This national education grant supports established tax-exempt educational organizations, including innovative early childhood education models. Eligible nonprofit childcare and early learning organizations may submit requests throughout the year.

Early Childhood; National; Nonprofit; Education; Large Grant

Currently open rolling cycle: Opens each July and remains open until annual funds are exhausted

USA: Washington (Statewide)

This needs-based award helps eligible licensed providers purchase curriculum materials, supplies, equipment, and improvements that strengthen program quality.

Childcare; Washington; For-Profit Eligible; Quality Improvement; Infant Toddler

Deadline: Rolling / ongoing. Confirm current program terms, available funding, and application requirements with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority before applying.

USA: Virginia (statewide)

Zero-interest loans and related financial assistance for Virginia child care providers to expand facilities, improve services, or cover operational costs.

Virginia; Financing; Facility; Start-Up; For-Profit Eligible; Expansion

Application Window: July 1–August 15, 2026; Application Deadline: August 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

USA: Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, New York

This general operating support opportunity helps nonprofit childcare and early-learning organizations sustain effective programs, strengthen infrastructure, and build organizational capacity in three New York counties.

Childcare; Early Childhood Education; New York; Nonprofit Only; General Operating Support; Capacity Building

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027, 3:00 p.m. PT

USA: Douglas County, Oregon

This county fund primarily supports health and medical needs and may consider other community projects when resources remain. A nonprofit childcare or early-learning organization can apply when its work serves Douglas County residents and clearly addresses children's health, developmental, or medical needs.

Children; Oregon; Nonprofit; Community Health; Medical Needs; Regional

Applications accepted on a rolling basis; no deadline

USA: Baltimore City, Maryland

This small-grant opportunity supports Baltimore-area charitable organizations, including early childhood education work aligned with current priorities. Eligible nonprofit childcare and preschool programs may request modest project support.

Early Childhood; Baltimore; Nonprofit; Small Grant; Education

Letter of Inquiry Deadline: August 10, 2026 | Invited Full Proposal Deadline: September 10, 2026

USA: Southwestern Pennsylvania

This regional fund supports nonprofit initiatives that strengthen early learning, child development, and family well-being for children in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Early Learning; Pennsylvania; Nonprofit; Children and Families

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

USA: Pennsylvania (Statewide)

This workforce scholarship supports early childhood professionals working in certified child care programs. It helps staff in centers, group care, and home-based care pursue ECE coursework or credentials.

Workforce; Pennsylvania; For-Profit Eligible; Scholarship; Early Educators

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