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Invest in NY – Child Care Deserts Grant for New Providers is sponsored by New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This grant supports new licensed, registered, or permitted child care programs in areas of New York State with the least supply, known as child care deserts.
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NYS Child Care Desert Grant Opportunity Invest in New York! Child Care Deserts Grant Opportunity Please Note: Application submission began on April 11, 2022. Please check HERE for more information and make sure to complete your provider orientation and request an application!
OCFS will release a second grant opportunity for existing licensed providers looking to expand capacity. Check back soon for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions answered by the Office of Children and Family Services from the Office of Children and Family Services The New York State Office of Children and Family Services Announces $70 Million in Federal Funds to Address Child Care Deserts Funding will support new child care programs in The Mid Hudson Region Today the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announced that $70 million in grant funding is available to new licensed, registered or permitted child care programs in areas of the state with the least supply, known as child care deserts.
The funds, which are part of a $100 million child care initiative approved in the 2021 Enacted Budget, are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and will be administered by OCFS. Providers interested in opening a new child care program should watch the orientation video and request an application so that they may apply when the application portal opens in April.
The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. is excited to partner with New York State to launch the Invest in NY Child Care grant program. Maintaining and adequate supply of child care is part of our mission, and we are ready to assist programs with the licensing process so they can access these much-needed funds.
The grants will support new child care providers in creating their child care program and in recruiting, retaining and training staff to meet workforce demands. Grant recipients can also use the funding to support start-up expenses, personnel costs, general child care business expenses and staff expenses in accessing COVID-19 vaccines.
Additional details on eligibility and requirements of the grant can be found in the Request for Applications. Applicants must have submitted their request for an application for license before grant application submission. All applicants must complete the OCFS or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) online orientation before applying at https://ocfs.
ny. gov/programs/childcare/providers/cdc-orientation. php.
Once the orientation is completed, applicants can request a licensing application. Please visit the OCFS website here for more information and to apply for the grant. Programs applying to become a NYCDOHMH Article 47 day care center must attend a pre-permit orientation before applying for a new permit (check the box next to “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions,” then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page).
Applicants needing assistance with starting child care programs can contact their county’s OCFS Regional Office (https://ocfs. ny. gov/programs/childcare/regional-offices.
php) or their local child care resource and referral (CCR&R), which can help with the licensing process.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: New licensed, registered, or permitted child care programs in New York State child care desert areas. Awardees are expected to participate in QUALITYstarsNY's Start with Stars initiative. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Invest in NY – Child Care Deserts Grant for New Providers is funded by New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in New York. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.
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