Start-Up Family Child Care Grants

Name of Funding Organization: State Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program Contact Information: No contact information provided in the input. Award Details: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business can apply for up to 75% of their start-up costs, with a maximum award of $8,500. Those adding a room exclusively for their child care business can receive up to $25,000. Eligibility: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties. Bonus points will be awarded to applicants providing care for infants, toddlers, families income-eligible for subsidy, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Application Process: The application process consists of two steps. Step 1 requires completing the requirements to earn a family child care license. Applications for Step 1 are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Step 2 is an invitation-only application based on eligibility determined from Step 1. It includes a description of project plans and a list of start-up expenses. Applications for Step 2 will be accepted through August 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Application processing time is expected to take up to five weeks from the time of submission. Other Relevant Information: The grant awards can be used for various purposes, including renovating a home, purchasing educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, creating an outdoor learning environment, buying playground equipment, procuring health and safety supplies, and having working capital for the first month. The grant program does not cover adding a room to an existing home-based child care space, as it is considered a renovation. Family Child Care providers interested in expanding their licensed capacity in a new location with a Facility license can apply for the Child Care Facility Expansion Grants, but there are special licensing and fire marshal requirements to consider.