Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund
Open Opportunities (2)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- FY27 480-20-3706 Child Care Resource and Referral Program – Child Care Assistance Program Deadline: Sep 30, 2026 · up to $31.9M
- FY27 480-20-3714 – Child Care Assistance Program- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 93.596 (USAspending.gov).
- Department Of Education California 3 awards $2,356,864,674
- Florida Department Of Education 2 awards $1,034,687,368
- Texas Workforce Commission $822,121,643
- Children & Family Services, New York Office Of $459,794,081
- Department Of Social Services California $344,708,046
- Department Of Early Care & Learning Georgia $338,149,639
- Ohio Department Of Job & Family Services $334,558,755
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Mandatory and Matching portion (or Child Care Entitlement or CCE) of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program consists of two formula grant opportunities. The purpose of the two formula grants funds is to help certain families with low incomes access child care and to improve the quality of child care for all children.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
Eligibility: All 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and Federally recognized Tribal Governments, including Alaskan Native Corporations. Eligibility for non-formula awards for technical assistance, research, demonstration, and evaluation projects can be found in the NOFOs or contract solicitations. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity.
Beneficiaries
- Infant and Toddler (0–3)
- Young Child (4–9)
- Pre-Teen (10–12)
Children under age 13 (or, at the option of the lead agency, up to age 19, if physically or mentally incapable of self-care or under court supervision), who (1) reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State median income (SMI) for a family of the same size, and (2) who reside with a parent (or parents) who is working or attending job training or educational program, who or are in need of, or are receiving protective services. A lead agency shall re-determine a child’s eligibility for child care services no sooner than 12 months following the initial determination or most recent re-determination. Once determined eligible, children are expected to receive a minimum of 12 months of child care services, unless family income rises above 85% SMI or, at lead agency option, the family experiences a non-temporary cessation of work, education, or training.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
A lead agency desiring to receive an allotment for a fiscal year is required to submit a three-year CCDF plan to the Administration for Children and Families, as well as financial and other information necessary for the award process. Each plan must contain certifications and assurances by the lead agency that it will comply with the requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) Act. The plan must also include: the designation of a lead agency; the provision of assurances regarding policies and procedures as stated in Section 658E(c)(2) of the amended CCDBG Act; an outline of the proposed use of block grant funds in compliance with Section 658E(c)(3) of the CCDBG Act; the provision of certification regarding payment rates as stated in Section 658E(c)(4) of the CCDBG Act; and the establishment of a sliding fee scale. Additional requirements are specified by 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99.
Award Procedure
Awards are made after the receipt and approval of an application and plan by the Administration for Children and Families.
The Administration for Children and Families will review the CCDF plans for approval and will act on the plans within 90 days.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Mandatory and Matching portion (or Child Care Entitlement or CCE) of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides mandatory child care funding, which consists of two formula grant funds (Mandatory and Matching) for states, territories, and tribes. The purpose of the two formula grants funds is to help certain families with low incomes access child care and to improve the quality of child care for all children. The Mandatory and Matching funds are made available in section 418 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 618) and are not subject to annual appropriations. A small portion of CCDF Mandatory and Matching funding is used by the Office of Child Care to provide technical assistance to state, territory, and Tribal lead agencies on administering the program, and is also used for child care research, demonstration and evaluation activities.
Mission Categories
Primary: Families and Child Welfare Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Title IV of the Social Security Act appropriates funds (Mandatory and Matching Funds) for the purpose of providing child care assistance. Lead agencies must use Mandatory and Matching Funds for child care services on a sliding fee scale basis, activities that improve the quality or availability of such services, and other activities that realize the goals of the CCDBG Act. Lead agencies must ensure that not less than 70% of the total amount of Mandatory and Matching Funds are used to provide child care assistance to families who are receiving assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, families who are attempting through work activities to transition off of temporary assistance programs, and families who are at risk of becoming dependent on temporary assistance programs. Not more than 5% of the aggregate amount of CCDF Funds expended by the State (15% for Tribes or tribal organizations) may be expended for administrative costs incurred by the State to carry-out all of its functions and duties. The term "administrative costs" does not include the costs of providing direct services. States, territories, and tribes shall use not less than 9% of the CCDF funds to improve child care quality and availability including comprehensive consumer education, activities to increase parental choice, and other activities such as resource and referral services, provider grants and loans, monitoring and enforcement of requirements, training and technical assistance, and improved compensation for child care staff. In addition, states, territories, and some tribal lead agencies are required to spend no less than 3% of their CCDF award on activities to improve the quality of infant and toddler care. Funds may be used by Tribal lead agencies for approved construction or renovation of child care facilities. A portion of CCDF Mandatory and Matching funds is available for research, demonstration, evaluation, and technical assistance.
Restrictions
Except for approved construction or renovation of child care facilities by Tribal lead agencies, no Mandatory or Matching Funds may be used for the purchase or improvement of land, or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility (other than for minor remodeling and for upgrading of facilities to meet state and local child care standards). No Mandatory or Matching Funds provided directly to child care providers through grants or contracts may be expended for any sectarian purpose or activity, including sectarian worship or instruction. However, lead agencies must give parents the option of receiving vouchers or certificates to allow parents the choice of child care providers, including faith-based or community providers. No Mandatory or Matching Funds may be provided for any services provided to students enrolled in grades 1 through 12 during the regular school day; for any services for which such students receive academic credit toward graduation; or for any instructional services which supplant or duplicate the academic program of any public or private school.
Required Documentation
Lead agencies must operate under a CCDF plan approved by the Administration for Children and Families, and must provide assurances that the recipient will comply with the requirements of the CCDBG Act and all applicable Federal law(s).
Matching Requirements
Statutory/Regulatory Formula: Section 418 of the Social Security Act; Title 45 CFR, Part 98.55. Matching requirements are mandatory. States must match these funds with state dollars at the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rate, which is different for every state. See funding agency for further details.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements