Are you a child care provider looking to expand or improve your program? Or are you ready to open a new child care program? Is your program located in Marion County within one of the following zip codes? If so the Strengthen Indy Child Care grant might be the opportunity for you.
Whether it’s fencing, classroom equipment, or other crucial elements holding you back, this grant could provide up to $25,000 to open or expand your child care program. Included in this guide:
The Strengthen Indy Child Care grant is provided with generous support from Glick Philanthropies. The Glick Family Foundation invests in organizations that enhance education, self-sufficiency and quality of life in central Indiana and beyond. Established in 1982 by Indianapolis philanthropists Eugene and Marilyn Glick, the Foundation is one of the most active family foundations in Indiana.
Watch the recording of our recent information session about the Strengthen Indy Child Care grant. This session was also conducted in Spanish. Watch the video in Spanish.
About the grant
Increasing availability of early childhood care and education capacity
Mission
To provide support and resources for existing and emerging providers, increase the availability of early child care and education, and create equitable child care opportunities for families in our community
Vision
In partnership with Glick Philanthropies, Child Care Answers is creating opportunities for aspiring providers to start their child care programs and for existing providers to expand through this grant program.
Goals
Increase funding available to emerging and existing child care programs
Increase child care capacity in Marion county
Increase quality in child care programs in Marion county
Eligibility
Your current or newly-opened program must be or plan to be located in one of the following zip codes:
46107
46220
46221
46224
46227
46235
46240
46241
46250
46254
46260
If a licensed or registered child care program, you must be in good standing with the State of Indiana.
Requirements
You will be expected to participate in group networking and monthly onsite visits from April to November 2024 if awarded.
Your child care program, if not already, will be expected to:
Accept infants and toddlers (six weeks to three years old).
Awarded early care and education programs may use Strengthen Indy Child Care grant funds across four categories of allowable expenses as listed below. Click each category to see examples - these may be included in requests but are not limited to the examples listed.
Child Care Building Improvements Costs
Examples of these expenses include:
Fencing
Bathrooms – Installing or renovating classroom bathrooms
CCA notifies applicants if they are proceeding to round two.
CCA conducts Zoom interviews with those chosen for round two.
January through February 2024
CCA notifies applicants who advanced to round three in mid-January.
CCA conducts additional interviews and onsite visits through February 12.
March 2024
CCA and Glick Philanthropies announce award winners.
Recipients attend celebration event.
April 2024
Monthly onsite visits begin
Group networking events begin
Get answers to your
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest amount of funds that can be awarded to my program?
Each program can receive up to $25,000, which can be used across any of the four categories.
If I have more than one program in a qualifying zip code, can each program apply for the grant?
Yes, if each program has its own licensing number.
Can this grant be used to add seats, as well as to improve the quality of my program?
Yes!
Can the money be used to purchase a facility for a program?
Purchasing a facility is not an approvable expense, however, you can use funds to purchase items to put in a new facility.
Is this a legit grant?
Yes, however, it is not offered to everyone in Marion County which is why some providers may not know about it.
Why does my program have to be in one of the zip codes listed even if I’m located in Marion County?
This grant is funded by a private funder, so they can make requirements and qualifications that support their organization’s initiative. Because of that, these are the zip codes that they have selected.
How long is the application available?
Applications are now closed.
When will we know if we have made it to round two zoom interviews?
The application will close December 15. We will notify applicants in December after we have finished reviewing all applications.
When will we know If we have made it to round three onsite visits?
Zoom interviews will conclude by the new year. We will notify applicants in January if they are proceeding to onsite visits or not.
When will grants be awarded?
The goal is March 2024 upon final review and approval from our funder.
Do I have to be enrolled in Paths to QUALITY or be at level 3 Paths to Quality before applying?
No. You do not have to already be enrolled in order to apply; however, the requirement would be that you join PTQ with the intent of advancing levels.
If I am not on Paths to QUALITY, am I expected to reach level three within a year?
No; however, we hope to see progress towards that goal from month to month as awardees commit to participating in monthly coaching and on-sitevisits from April 2024 through November 2024.
How do I know if my application is submitted?
You should receive an email within 24-48 hours confirming your submission. If you have not, please contact Julie Carey.
Can grant funds be used towards a previous loan from a renovation project for my program?
Grant funds cannot be used to repay loans. However, if new renovation projects are needed, grant funds can be used for the new renovation project.
Program resource navigators
Connect with us
If you have questions along the way, we are here to help. Click on a program resource navigator to connect with her individually, fill out our Provider Info form, or call us at 317.636.5727.
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