Grants & Funding
Helping Early Childhood Programs Find Funding Opportunities
Access trusted funding sources that support program growth, workforce development, classroom improvements, professional development, nutrition, and family services. Explore national organizations and funding programs designed to strengthen early childhood education.
Child Care Aware® of America
Website: https://www.childcareaware.org
Focus
Provides funding resources, military child care assistance, advocacy, and connections to state and local child care support programs.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Family Child Care Providers
Resources Available
- Funding Resources
- Military Fee Assistance
- State Child Care Agencies
- Provider Resources
- Advocacy
First Children's Finance
Website: https://www.firstchildrensfinance.org
Focus
Supports early childhood businesses through financial consulting, business planning, and access to funding opportunities.
Best For
- Child Care Business Owners
- Directors
- Entrepreneurs
Resources Available
- Business Coaching
- Financial Planning
- Facility Expansion Support
- Grants & Loans
- Business Sustainability
First Book
Website: https://www.firstbook.org
Focus
Provides free and low-cost books, educational resources, and grant opportunities for programs serving children in need.
Best For
- Child Care Centers
- Preschools
- Nonprofit Programs
- Head Start
Resources Available
- Free Books
- Discounted Educational Materials
- Grant Opportunities
- Classroom Resources
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Website: https://www.acf.hhs.gov
Focus
Federal agency supporting programs that improve the economic and social well-being of children and families.
Best For
- Child Care Centers
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Community Programs
Resources Available
- Federal Grant Opportunities
- Child Care Funding
- Family Services
- Program Guidance
Grants.gov
Website: https://www.grants.gov
Focus
The official U.S. government portal for finding and applying for federal grant opportunities.
Best For
- Child Care Centers
- Nonprofits
- Educational Organizations
Resources Available
- Federal Grants
- Grant Search
- Application Resources
- Funding Alerts
Local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Website: https://www.childcareaware.org/resources/ccrr-search/
Focus
Connects providers with local funding opportunities, quality improvement initiatives, and technical assistance.
Best For
- New Providers
- Existing Programs
- Family Child Care Providers
Resources Available
- Local Grants
- Technical Assistance
- Quality Improvement Programs
- Community Resources
USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp
Focus
Provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served in participating child care programs.
Best For
- Child Care Centers
- Family Child Care Homes
- After-School Programs
Resources Available
- Meal Reimbursements
- Nutrition Guidance
- Training Resources
- Program Administration
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Website: https://www.wkkf.org
Focus
Supports initiatives that improve outcomes for children, families, and communities through grant funding.
Best For
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Community Partnerships
- Early Childhood Initiatives
Resources Available
- Grant Opportunities
- Community Investments
- Early Childhood Initiatives
- Research & Reports