OPEN Moderate ~100h to apply
RFA

1223 Child Care Support Centers

🏛 New York State Office of Children and Family Services

⏰ Deadline
Jul 9, 2026 in 37 days
📊 Total program funding
$12.5M
📍 Scope
State

Can you apply?

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations in New York State supporting child care and family services. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar registered not-for-profit entities. The grant funds projects that strengthen child care infrastructure and family support services. Activities may include center operations, staff training, resource coordination, and community partnerships.

Priority is given to organizations serving underserved communities and vulnerable families. Experience in child care or family services is expected. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and financial stability.

The grant is limited to New York State. Projects typically span five years with defined milestones.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations in New York State supporting child care and family services. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar registered not-for-profit entities. The grant funds projects that strengthen child care infrastructure and family support services. Activities may include center operations, staff training, resource coordination, and community partnerships.

Priority is given to organizations serving underserved communities and vulnerable families. Experience in child care or family services is expected. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and financial stability.

The grant is limited to New York State. Projects typically span five years with defined milestones.

Program description

RFA 1223 Child Care Support Centers is a New York State grant opportunity administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Total program funding is approximately $12,500,000. Eligible applicants: Not-For-Profit. Focus area: Family Supports. Project period: 60 Month(s). Applications are due 2026-07-09. Posted through the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal in the Statewide Financial System (SFS).

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Demographic focus

Details

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations in New York State supporting child care and family services. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar registered not-for-profit entities. The grant funds projects that strengthen child care infrastructure and family support services. Activities may include center operations, staff training, resource coordination, and community partnerships.

Priority is given to organizations serving underserved communities and vulnerable families. Experience in child care or family services is expected. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and financial stability.

The grant is limited to New York State. Projects typically span five years with defined milestones.

How to apply

Application links

Required documents

  • Completed application form (SFS portal)
  • Project narrative and goals
  • Detailed budget and budget narrative
  • Organizational capacity statement
  • Audited financial statements or 990 forms
  • Nonprofit verification documents
  • Letters of support from partners

Program contact

  • 👤 Procurement Unit

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

Not-for-profit organizations registered in New York State. Your organization should focus on child care, early childhood education, or family support services.

When is the deadline?

Applications are due July 9, 2026. Check the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal for any updates or deadline extensions.

What activities does this grant fund?

Child care center support, workforce development, resource coordination, and family services. Projects must strengthen the child care system in New York.

What makes an application competitive?

Clear alignment with state priorities. Strong partnerships with schools or community organizations. Evidence of serving low-income or vulnerable families. Detailed implementation plans and realistic budgets.

What is the funding range per award?

Total program funding is $12.5 million. Individual award amounts are not specified. Contact OCFS for estimated per-award ranges.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Build relationships with local school districts, health departments, and other child care providers before applying. Strong partnerships strengthen competitiveness.
  • Clearly articulate how your project addresses workforce shortages, quality improvement, or access gaps in child care. Connect to state priorities.
  • Include detailed budget narratives explaining how funds support staff, training, equipment, and operations. Specificity matters.
  • Demonstrate organizational capacity with staff resumes, audited financial statements, and evidence of successful prior grants. Reviewers assess stability.
  • Start early and review the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal frequently. Clarifications and application resources are posted there.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Vague alignment with state child care priorities. Weak evidence of serving vulnerable or underserved families.

Incomplete budget justifications or unrealistic spending plans for a 60-month project.

Lack of organizational capacity documentation or financial management experience in child care programs.

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37 days left Jul 9, 2026
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