Oregon Opens Applications for $20 Million Child Care Infrastructure Fund

The third round of applications for the Child Care Infrastructure Fund in Oregon will open on September 17, 2023. This initiative, designed to provide financial assistance for infrastructure projects related to child care, is managed by Business Oregon in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care and several other state agencies, nonprofits, and private entities.

Established under House Bill 3005 in 2023, the program received an allocation of $50 million in lottery bonds. To date, rounds one and two of the program have awarded $30 million to various child care providers across the state. These funds have been utilized for a range of projects, including construction, repairs, and renovations.

Funding Details and Application Process

The upcoming round, which will distribute the remaining $20 million, focuses on supporting projects that involve minor repairs, new construction, major renovations, and property acquisitions. According to a recent announcement from the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, the application portal will be accessible through the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage, starting at noon on September 17, 2023.

Interested parties will have until 4:59 p.m. on December 16, 2023 to submit their applications. Award notifications are expected to be issued on or after February 16, 2026. This funding is critical for enhancing child care facilities across Oregon, ensuring that they meet the needs of families and children.

With the support of local and state agencies, the Child Care Infrastructure Fund aims to promote better access to quality child care, reflecting Oregon’s commitment to improving early childhood education and care.