Childcare Expansion Grant Program for FCCH Providers in California - fundsforNGOs

The Childcare Expansion Grant program is available to licensed Child Care Family Childcare Home Providers in Santa Clara County.

Donor Name: Valley Health Foundation

State: California

County: Santa Clara County (CA)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 11/30/2023

Size of the Grant: $50,000

Grant Duration: 24 months

Details:

Childcare providers eligible for infrastructure funding may include Family Child Care Home (FCCH), center-based, and other community agencies. Priority will be given to childcare providers who meet select equity criteria to serve communities in greatest need of childcare and to reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of Santa Clara County.

The Grant Program is part of the County’s strategic vision to address inequity and improve public health, provide safety net services for the community, and support the County’s continued COVID-19 response. The Grant Program will focus on building a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery for childcare providers by providing grant funds to eligible providers that address either construction or operational needs, and result in an increase in childcare capacity and enrollment.

The Grant Program will fund two (2) funding categories:

Operations: An estimated 40% of grant funds will be allocated for childcare facility operational expenses for up to 24 months of operating costs, that may include funds to pay for staffing to support the increased capacity or enrollment.
- A maximum of $50,000 will be funded through this category for eligible New FCCH Providers grants.
- Funding allocation is subject to change based on the total program request by category. Unobligated Operations funds may be re-allocated to the Construction category, if necessary.
Construction/Repairs: An estimated 50% of grant funds will be allocated for construction related activities, including major and/or minor physical renovation or improvements to increase licensed center-based and FCCH childcare capacity and create a developmentally appropriate learning environment for children.

Funding Categories and Eligible Uses

New FCCH Providers: New FCCH providers may be eligible for a start-up grant of up to $50,000 for operations and/or minor repair. New childcare providers are defined as , 1) holding an active license for less than 24 months, or 2) having submitted a childcare license application to the California Department of Social Service (CDSS) and anticipate receiving a childcare license by May 1, 2024.
- Eligible uses of funds under this funding category include, but not limited to:
  - Age-appropriate furniture to meet childcare needs
  - Supplies, books, and activities to support the developmentally appropriate care and early education
  - Technology and equipment – computers, internet, cell phones
  - Appliances for use in childcare business
  - Minor repairs/renovations, such as flooring replacement and playground upgrades
Established FCCH Providers
- Operational support during and up to 24 months (2 years) from the grant effective date. Providers must demonstrate being actively licensed for over 24 months.
  - Small FCCH (8 or less children) may be eligible for up to $75,000 per year, based on the number of childcare capacity and/or enrollment increases, for a total amount not to exceed $150,000.
  - Large FCCH (14 or less children) may be eligible for up to $100,000 per year, based on the number of childcare capacity and/or enrollment increases, for a total amount not to exceed $200,000.
- Eligible uses of funds under this funding category include, but not limited to:
  - Additional childcare staff to support the increased capacity or enrollment
  - Age-appropriate furniture and materials to meet childcare needs
  - Supplies, books, and activities to support the developmentally appropriate care and early education
  - Technology and equipment – computers, internet, cell phones
  - Updated appliances for childcare business
  - Up to three (3) months rent or mortgage payments
  - Construction projects will be eligible for up to 24 months of operational support after or near construction completion.
Construction/Renovations
- FCCH Providers must demonstrate being actively licensed for over 24 months.
- FCCH Construction/Renovation projects may be eligible for up to $200,000.
- Eligible uses of funds under this funding category include interior/exterior construction/renovations to areas in the home that facilitate an increase in capacity or enrollment, while creating a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for children, include but not limited to:
  - Pre-development – costs associated with early construction planning, architectural/design services, building permits,
  - Site construction or renovation costs including outdoor play spaces,
  - Repairs to address health and safety concerns,
  - Interior repairs or modernization,
  - Improvements to correct and meet building code life and safety requirements,
  - Reasonable project management staffing costs associated with the approved project,
  - Up to three (3) months rent or mortgage payments, inclusive of operational funding,
  - Other costs of construction
    - Staff retention wages
    - Temporary relocation costs
    - Utilities

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the Minimum Thresholds listed above, childcare providers must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Eligible applicants include private, nonprofit or educational organizations.
- Nonprofits must have a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt designation at the time of application submission.
Provide childcare services for infant and toddler care, children with special needs, and/ or childcare for other priority populations in the county;
Demonstrate intent and ability to open, reopen, or increase the number of childcare spaces, including filling vacancies, in communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or with other challenges;
Maintain property owner consent if childcare capacity exceeds 6 children for Small Providers or 12 children for Large Providers as outlined in CDSS childcare capacity regulations.
Have a registered Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Childcare providers must demonstrate a negative public health impact or disproportionate impact because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disproportionate impact will be presumed for providers operating in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) as described below.
Childcare providers must demonstrate their commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion within their business and educational programming.
Providers must offer services to all children of Santa Clara County, regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, color, national origin, or disability.