Make Way for Kids Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Grant Program

The Make Way for Kids Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Grant Program, administered by First Children’s Finance (FCF) in collaboration with the Vermont Child Development Division (CDD), is a funding initiative focused on expanding the availability of high-quality child care for infants and toddlers across Vermont. The grant is funded by the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Children and Families. This program specifically supports new or expanding child care projects that increase capacity, ensure sustainability, and meet the evolving needs of Vermont’s families with young children. This third round of funding continues a successful statewide effort and reflects the state’s commitment to accessible and inclusive early childhood education. The grant is open to a broad range of applicants, including organizations, businesses, schools, municipalities, and individuals planning to open or expand licensed child care programs. Family child care programs seeking to transition into licensed operations and those aiming to increase service hours or provide non-standard care (evenings/weekends) are also eligible. Projects may support the startup of new programs, expand existing facilities to add more infant and toddler slots, offer extended hours, or prevent closures of current programs by maintaining capacity. To be eligible for full funding, applicants must operate at least 48 weeks per year for a minimum of 50 hours per week, and must participate in the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP). Funding may be used for minor renovations, inclusive environment upgrades, program improvements to support more children, and the purchase of equipment and materials needed to create safe, engaging early learning spaces. Additional eligible uses include workforce recruitment, startup support, and culturally responsive care efforts. Expenses related to hiring project support services (such as business consultants or project managers) may also be covered. However, funding cannot be used for major construction projects or structural renovations, and specific budget limits apply to consumable supplies, staffing, and project management. The application window for Round Three opens March 16, 2026 and closes on May 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET. Awards will be announced by June 1, 2026, with initial disbursements around June 15, and final project completion required by August 7, 2026. A total of approximately $150,000 will be distributed during this round. Grant amounts vary by applicant type: family child care programs may receive up to $12,000, while center-based or larger institutional applicants may receive up to $45,000. Programs with more limited operations (e.g., fewer weeks/hours) may be eligible for reduced amounts. To apply, prospective applicants must first consult with FCF by contacting [email protected] and include their town or county in the inquiry. Upon eligibility verification, FCF will provide access to the online grants management portal. The application includes sections on demographics, project description, community needs, licensing status, timeline, and budget. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and scored based on community collaboration, leadership, demonstrated need, sustainability, and alignment with equity and access priorities. Awardees must agree to standard grant conditions including monthly technical assistance with FCF, documentation of expenses, enrollment of CCFAP families, and submission of a final report by August 7, 2026. For-profit applicants have additional fiscal requirements such as maintaining a separate account for grant funds. All grantees must be open to the general public and meet Vermont licensing and tax compliance standards. FCF will also collect data on the grant’s impact, including child care slot increases and demographic reach, for reporting to the Vermont Department of Children and Families.

Focus on community-informed planning, equitable access, and readiness for licensing. Partial awards may be issued.