Large Capital Grants for Non-Profit Programs

The FY2026 Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund Large Grant Program provides substantial funding support for nonprofit organizations operating center-based early education or out-of-school time programs in Massachusetts. Administered by the Children’s Investment Fund in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the program offers grants of up to $1,000,000 to support major capital improvements in qualifying facilities. These improvements must enhance the health and safety of children and staff and directly relate to the organization's mission to serve low-income families. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating licensed large group early education or out-of-school time programs. Projects must not be fully completed before the award announcements. Specifically, applications will not be considered if the proposed work is 100% completed at any point between the Pre-Application period and the award notification. The grant supports expenses incurred on or after February 5, 2025, and is intended to assist with critical capital improvements. Eligible uses of funds include property acquisition, major systems replacement, classroom reconfiguration, renovation of administrative and staff spaces, outdoor redesign, and soft costs associated with facility development. Pre-applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Following this initial step, selected organizations will be invited by EEC to submit a full application. Full applications will be due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 4, 2026. It is important to note that only those invited through the pre-application process will be eligible to submit a full application. Application submission is strictly online; no paper or emailed applications will be accepted. The program is highly competitive and intended for organizations that are well into their capital project planning. Applications will be evaluated with the expectation that construction activities will commence by September 30, 2027. To be competitive, applicants should already have an established development team and have made significant progress in their capital planning and permitting process, particularly if the project involves substantial renovation or HVAC work. A virtual information session will be held on January 6 at 11:00 a.m. to provide an overview of the application process, answer questions, and clarify requirements. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of the program and how to navigate the two-phase application process effectively. For questions about the program or the application process, applicants may contact the Children’s Investment Fund team at [email protected]. Additional support is available from EEC contacts José Mendez at [email protected] and Ellen Song at [email protected]. Applicants experiencing technical issues with the application platform should also reach out to the CIF team via the same email address. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission of applications.