Question 1

How many projects will be selected to receive grant funds?

Accepted Answer

LISC and the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) would like to spread grant funds equitably and equally to providers all over the state. We estimate that between 125 and 135 providers will be able to have their projects funded through this grant opportunity. We have identified 50 Center-Based Providers as Finalists who will be receiving grant awards totaling $9 Million. Centers will be notified of the decisions on Friday, March 1st, 2024.

Family-Based Providers and Group Homes had $3 Million reserved for them which will be distributed to between 75-85 providers throughout the state of Connecticut. Family Home and Group Home applications will go out for External Review on Monday, March 4th, 2024. Please be sure to check your email for communications and updates from CTOECFUND@LISC.ORG. (CTOECFUND@LISC.ORG.)

Question 2

I applied, how do I know that you received my application?

Accepted Answer

If you have submitted an application, we will be sending you updates via email throughout the review process. Please be sure to check your email for Grant Updates from CTOECFUND@LISC.ORG. LISC is in the process of sending out Family-Home and Group Home applications to external review. The review process has taken longer than we expected, mostly due to the number of applications that needed to be considered, the number of excellent projects reviewed, and an equitable distribution of funding. Finalists have been identified and we hope to make announcements to all the Center-Based applicants by March 1st, 2024. Families will receive their notification by the end of March. Be sure to check your email regularly for LISC communications and check your Spam folder if you do not receive anything.

Question 3

I submitted my application and I'm waiting to hear back about whether or not I am receiving a grant. When will I be notified?

Accepted Answer

CENTER-BASED PROVIDERS: After an extensive review process, LISC CT is finalizing a list of 50 Center-Based applicants selected as grant awardees. The review process has taken longer than we expected, mostly due to the number of applications that needed to be considered, the number of excellent projects reviewed, and an equitable distribution of funding. Finalists have been identified and we hope to make announcements to all the Center-Based applicants by March 1st, 2024

FAMILY HOME AND GROUP HOME PROVIDERS:
Applications have been sorted into categories and are ready to send out for review, as soon as Monday, March 4th. We will utilize a similar process to review the Family-Based Providers and Group Homes. We have confidence that applications will be reviewed, and finalists will be selected by the end of March.

Question 4

I messed up on my application/forgot to send a document, can I update my application before it is reviewed?

Accepted Answer

* all centers reviewed 
*apps saved for future funding opportunities 
LISC CT is ensuring that we stay equitable and fair to all applicants during the process. Unfortunately, since we do not have the capacity for everyone to send updated documents or information for their applications, we cannot have individual programs updating their applications as it would not be fair to others who would not get the chance to update their information.

If you have more information about your program that you would like to share with LISC CT, please feel free to share with us at CTOECFUND@LISC.ORG. (CTOECFUND@LISC.ORG.)LISC CT has many other sources and forms of funding, including connections to other funding opportunities and short-term loans.

Question 5

When will I know if my project has been selected for grant funds?

Accepted Answer

CENTER-BASED PROVIDERS:

We plan to announce the 50 Center-Based Finalists on Friday, March 4th, 2024.

FAMILY HOME AND GROUP HOME PROVIDERS:

Applications have been sorted into categories and are ready to send out for review, as soon as Monday, March 4th. We will utilize a similar process to review the Family-Based Providers and Group Homes. We have confidence that applications will be reviewed, and finalists will be selected by the end of March.

Question 6

What documents will I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

Only projects that are selected to receive funding will be required to submit additional documentation as a part of the next steps in the grant process. This information will be sent to all of the Finalists via email and will explain next steps on how to upload W-9, bank account, and various other forms of information and documents.

Click below to view our program overview document for more information about the grant process and documentation that might be required.

Question 7

If I don't get funded this time, will there be a second round of funding?

Accepted Answer

As much as we would like to, we will not be able to fund all of the applicants and their projects. With 700+ applicants, there is over $70 million in funds requested with the potential to increase infant and toddler capacity by over 4,000 slots. We will be reporting our data back to the Office of Early Childhood and showing exactly how great the demand and need for funds is from childcare providers all across the state. We are hoping this will boost the initiatives in CT towards developing the childcare sector.

In the event that additional funding is made available, LISC CT is saving all the applications we received and reviewed! We want to assure you that if there is the opportunity for added funding in the future, you will have an opportunity to update your application, without starting from scratch.

Question 8

How many quotes/estimates will I need?

Accepted Answer

Applicants will need to submit 3+ quotes/estimates for each of the projects that they have outlined in their Project Budget Form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)