Does the 50% match have to be cash or can there be a percentage of in-kind?
For this grant program, a 50% match must be provided by any center based child care facility, and a 25% match for any home based child care facility. The match requirements must be contributed in real dollars, therefore in kind would not be eligible. However, these dollars may come from public or private sources in addition to the eligible entity.
Where can I find support programs available for planning/ building an on-site childcare facility for employees?
There are several resources in Colorado to consider when pursuing on site child care facility for employees, including the following:
- Employer Based Child Care Feasibility & Assessment Guide (Colorado specific)
- Employer Child Care Navigator (National)
- Employer Based Child Care (CDEC)
These resources will help employers navigate the initial steps to better understand the needs of their workforce and best fit solutions to explore.
When will each of the grants be available?
The planning grants for local governments are anticipated to be released in Summer 2025. The capital grant program policies procedures and guidelines will be developed by November 2025 whereas, funding dependent, the capital facility grants will be released by November 2026 and are eligible for gifts, grants and donations by or through other public and private sources.
What is the budget for the grant programs?
The funding currently allocated to the Department of Local Affairs for all costs associated with the implementation of these programs, including the grant dollars allocated to recipients, is $250,000. However, the funding is subject to change, and the fund is eligible for gifts, grants, and donations by or through other public and private sources, increasing the opportunity to address diversified and increasing capital needs of child care facilities.
Can the grants fund projects that would already be underway in terms of construction? Perhaps for the actual space build out?
While all the policies, guidelines and eligibility requirements have not yet been finalized, the goal is to be inclusive of all facilities and stages of development, likely to include projects under construction with capital gaps to fill.
Do Head Start locations qualify for the grant?
There are no current restrictions that would prevent a Head Start location from accessing the grant dollars, however the first grants to be released are intended for local governments to engage in planning processes to expedite and facilitate child care facility development in their respective areas. Only local governments are eligible for the planning grants.
How far along in the process do you need to be to be eligible for the TA Cohort?
The cohort is ideal for facility projects in the planning stage, although other factors will be considered through the application and interview process, including readiness, project details, and team capacity.
Do you need a site/location identified or will the TA cohort help you identify a location?
You do not need to have a site already identified to participate in the cohort, but understanding some of the potential facility opportunities will be asked for in the application and considered as part of the selection process.
Are there any examples of creative co-locations and building/construction available?
There are case studies included in the facilities toolkit as well as shared through the webinars. As the technical assistance program is expanded, additional resources, models and other examples will be shared.