Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering a two-year funding opportunity to enhance access to child care for families experiencing homelessness. This initiative aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to child care providers, ensuring they can support these vulnerable families effectively. With a total funding limit of $700,000, the program seeks to address the complex needs of children and families facing homelessness, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The IMH Early Childhood Grants aim to enhance early childhood education and family support for children aged zero to six. This funding encourages programs that bolster children's readiness for kindergarten, improve social-emotional well-being, and aid parents in effective caregiving. IMH also promotes diverse delivery of early education services and seeks innovative proposals that foster collaborative partnerships among local educational entities, ensuring sustainable and high-quality early childhood experiences for all families in Orleans Parish.

The North Wilkesboro Grant Program, managed by Speedway Children's Charities, aims to support nonprofits focused on children in Wilkes County. In 2024, over $320,000 was distributed to local organizations. The program prioritizes aid for homeless individuals, orphans, foster youth, and victims of sex trafficking, alongside critical medical and educational services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a focus on children's welfare, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

The Quality Improvement Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provides up to $500 to licensed Child Care Homes and Centers to enhance their programs. Eligible applicants must maintain good standing and have a current Child Care Subsidy enrollment. Funds are intended for items that improve program quality, ensuring equitable care for all children, including those with disabilities. Providers must sustain business and subsidy enrollment for three years after receiving funding.

The Hutton Parker Foundation's Core/General Operating Support program is designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County. This unrestricted funding allows eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to support essential programs and administrative needs. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 aim to empower organizations to effectively serve their communities, particularly those impacting underserved populations. This initiative fosters operational strength and strategic growth for nonprofits, ensuring they can fulfill their missions successfully.

Community development financial institutions serving California communities with lending for affordable housing, child care facilities, and related services can use this program to build working capital and net assets. California State Treasurer's Office grants up to US $200,000 help CDFIs expand financing that benefits child care centers and other low- and moderate-income community needs.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) organizations providing childcare services and youth programs can request up to US $25,000 for one-year projects. Focus areas include expanding childcare options for working parents, training childcare providers, and creating before/after-school, vacation, and emergency care, plus mentorships and teen job initiatives through the Dobles Foundation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and youth-serving organizations in Suffolk County, Massachusetts and New Hampshire counties can access funding through the Anna B Stearns Charitable Foundation to support women+, girls+, children, and youth. Grants of US $15,000 - US $20,000 fund programs in education, child care services, job training, social services, and related supports promoting independence and healthy development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and governmental child care providers in Colorado can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to build internal capacity through the Boettcher Foundation’s Rural Catalyst Grants. Funding supports strategic planning, convenings, short-term staffing, and one-time operating costs for organizations tied to its Rural Leadership Collaborative, including those focused on rural child care services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. supporting children’s health, wellness, and early childhood development can apply for grants up to US $15,000. Focused on improving the lives of children, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation invites child care and youth-serving programs to request support, with applications reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and eligible government entities providing community services in Larimer or Weld County can seek general operating support for work in priority areas such as child care, housing, health, food security, and social connection. Focused on community-identified needs, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado invites applicants whose programs strongly align with local priorities, including child care services.

Licensed child care centers in New Jersey, or centers seeking DCF licensure, can receive reimbursement for site remediation expenses through this program, with awards up to US $1,500. State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides New Jersey child care services with support for remediation costs after completion of a Preliminary Assessment Report; SI/RI costs and NJDEP fees are excluded.

Nonprofit child care and early learning organizations in Jefferson County, Colorado can seek funding to improve access to quality care and education for children ages 0–8. With a mission to support community wellbeing, Colorado Gives Foundation provides $5,000 - $25,000 in general operating support for Jeffco-focused programs and collaborative policy or systems efforts.

Caregiver members of the Canadian Society of Zoologists who face extra personal costs to attend the CSZ Annual Congress can receive up to C $500 in travel supplements. Canada-based zoology researchers with child care responsibilities, especially early-career scientists, may use funds for caregiving, travel for a helper, or special family arrangements.

Nonprofit child care and caregiver-focused organizations in Multnomah County, Oregon can access funding through the American Association for Anatomy’s Child and Dependent Care Grant to cover extra dependent-care costs while members present at Anatomy Connected. Awards up to US $1,000 reimburse eligible travel, extended caregiver hours, or disability support for primary caregivers who are presenting authors.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations providing childcare, basic human needs, or mental health and human services to Lafayette residents in Boulder County can receive support for program costs. City of Lafayette offers grants for food, rent, utility, childcare, medical and mental health care, and domestic violence support, which may benefit nonprofit child care centers serving local families.

The Basic Needs Giving Partnership provides single-year grants to support organizations in Northeast Wisconsin that are addressing the root causes of poverty. Their focus is on collaborative initiatives in areas such as early care and education, housing access, mental health, and substance use. By partnering with local communities, they aim to foster equity and enhance economic well-being, while also disrupting systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty.

The Bethany Legacy Foundation Grant supports organizations in Jefferson County, focusing on innovative solutions for mental and physical health challenges. This grant is open to 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches, and government entities, promoting projects that serve the community and create lasting, positive change. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation's core focus areas and demonstrate collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to accessibility for all residents.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in communities across the U.S., particularly through education. Since 1989, it has awarded over $60 million, prioritizing grants for tax-exempt organizations in areas where Nordson operates. The foundation emphasizes long-term community needs, supporting initiatives in education, human welfare, civic affairs, and the arts. Its commitment includes funding general operating support for nonprofits, ensuring they can measure program effectiveness and foster self-sufficiency.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Connecticut's New London and Windham Counties through education and community support. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $60 million in grants, with a commitment to empowering local non-profits that foster educational opportunities, human welfare, civic engagement, and arts and culture. With a strong emphasis on measurable impact, the Foundation aims to create sustainable, vibrant communities by supporting initiatives that promote long-term self-sufficiency and community enrichment.

The Employer Training Grant for Early Childhood Education, offered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, supports Hoosier employers in training and retaining staff in high-demand sectors. With reimbursements up to $50,000, the grant focuses on job skills training that aligns with eligible occupations and requires at least 40 hours of training. Employers must ensure new hires earn a minimum wage of $19 per hour and existing employees receive a 5% wage increase post-training.

The Capacity Building Grant by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana aims to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits in Clark and Floyd counties. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 support initiatives like governance improvement, leadership development, and strategic planning. By fostering continuous improvement, this program ensures organizations can effectively serve their communities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing. For more details, visit the official program summary.

The Waterman Foundation Grant, established by the Bakersfield Downtown Rotary Club, offers up to $50,000 in funding for local nonprofits addressing community needs. Eligible projects must be sponsored by a Rotary Club member and meet specific criteria including nonprofit status. Grants are intended for capital projects, not operational expenses, and organizations may only submit one application per funding round. This initiative aims to enhance services in areas such as health, housing, and education.

The RALI Grant, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is an invitation-only program aimed at fostering regional and local impact through community-driven projects. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually, supporting initiatives that address economic equity, education, climate, health, and community leadership. Successful proposals will demonstrate collaboration, readiness, and measurable impact, ensuring they effectively tackle barriers to opportunity for Vermonters. Interested organizations must complete the Nonprofit Connection Form to be considered.

James H Cummings Foundation

The James H. Cummings Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit corporation organized in New York State in July, 1962 for the purpose of complying with certain provisions in the will of its founder and namesake. Admired for his unassuming manner, friendly demeanor, and quiet generosity, Cummings was dedicated to giving back to the communities he once called home.

The Foundation’s focus is on funding not-for-profits making strides in medical research, science and post-secondary education in Buffalo, Toronto, and Hendersonville, North Carolina. In addition, we focus on funding programming for vulnerable people of all ages—children to older adults—in Buffalo and Hendersonville.

James H Cummings Foundation Grants

Our Focus

The Foundation focuses on supporting 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organizations whose missions and services align with our guidelines and mission:

• To advance medical research, science, and post-secondary medical education in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To provide services for vulnerable children and children with disabilities that will enhance high school graduation rates with a focus on the quality of out-of-school (before and after school and summer care) for school age children and early care and education programs and initiatives in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To assist older adults and vulnerable adults with services that help them maintain independent, healthy, and active lifestyles, remaining in their own homes when possible in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To advance medical research in Toronto.

Iowa Early Head Start State Grant 

Purpose

Renewal of existing Iowa Early Head Start (EHS) State funding opportunity.

Grant Purpose:

The purpose of the Iowa EHS State Grant is to increase the capacity of providers of Infant/Toddler services to successfully maintain adherence to requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) through collaborative partnerships within Early Head Start programs. The focus of this grant serves to increase collaboration through birth-five partnerships as an infrastructure underpinning to leverage federal funding opportunities specific to EHS grants.

Impact: 

• Increase and influence success of partnership and collaboration between Child Care and Head Start; 
• Expand the number of children, families, staff, administration and systems Iowa EHS State allocation funds influence; 
• Increase efforts in focus areas of coaching and mentoring to increase staff education, instructional practices, family support, business practices and infrastructure through systems work and collaboration with EHS. 

About Us

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Community Impact Fund

The purpose of this fund is to be used for grantmaking through grant requests submitted to the community foundation.

Donor Story

This fund was established in 1993 by the then board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County. The Community Impact Fund holds the unrestricted dollars used by the Community Foundation of Noble County Grants Committee to support programs and charitable efforts in our county.

Community Impact Grant

Current grant cycles focus on three priority areas. The first cycle, with a deadline of March 2, focuses on senior issues and human services. The second cycle, with a deadline of July 2, focuses on childcare and education. The final cycle, with a deadline of November 2, focuses on economic development and other charitable services. These categories allow for a wide range of project types that align with the foundation’s mission of improving quality of life in Noble County.