ABOUT

The Early Childhood Facilities Construction and Renovation Grant Program

Contract#: 25OECBNDP1LSC

Grant Announcement

Watch a summary video of the recently released grant on the Early Care Connection Youtube channel

Have a need for funding with your childcare facility project?

Program Overview Presentation

Visit this presentation for an in-depth breakdown of the upcoming grant requirements, eligibility, and opportunities for support.

Grant Overview Presentation

INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM

LISC Connecticut, in conjunction with the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), serves as the program administrator for the Early Childhood Facility Construction and Renovation Grant Program. Through this program, a new grant program will be funded with State of Connecticut general obligation bonds, specifically designated for early childhood facilities construction. 

This grant opportunity is designed for larger, center-based projects with the goal of increasing Connecticut’s infant and toddler capacity, and preschool capacity in childcare deserts. $5,250,000 of State of Connecticut, general obligation bonding funds will be available to support 8-10 larger, center-based or family incubator projects. Grants will be made to awardees ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 for project completion. 

Eligible projects will receive an invitation to complete a pre-application form, which will provide additional information about the project. Upon review of the pre-applications, 50 projects will move on to the final application phase. It is expected that 8 to 10 projects will be selected in April 2026.

Projects that are not eligible will receive a link to a technical assistance form that will ask more questions about the projects and help determine what assistance is needed for providers to start a project or strengthen a project for future rounds of funding.

Eligibility Summary

Funding for this grant program is reserved for large-scale construction and renovation projects for center-based providers, with the goal of expanding access to infant and toddler spaces and/or preschool spaces.

Applicants must submit a shovel-ready project to be considered for a grant award. LISC makes the final decision on project status. Shovel-ready projects generally have, or are in the process of completing, the following elements:

Site control (lease, deed, mortgage on a property)

Site work completed (environmental and engineering reviews)

Architectural plans

Preliminary zoning approvals

Comprehensive project budget including all development costs and a list of funding sources

In addition, eligible applicants must demonstrate:

The project location is in Connecticut
Ability to place a 10-year lien on the property

Commitment to provide education and childcare to low- and moderate-income families, including ALICE families (Click here for more ALICE information from the United Way)

Be in good standing with the Office of Early Childhood and the State of Connecticut