Important Grant Availability Notice
Currently there are no grant funds available. New grant funds may become available on July 1, 2007. Program staff (listed at the bottom of this web page) can also provide the latest information regarding the availability of funds. Loan funds are currently available.
Background
The rise in the number of single parent and dual career families has made child care a critical issue for employers. The Child Care Facility Fund (CCFF) was created in 1991 to provide financial assistance through loans and grants to employers and child care businesses. The mission of the Child Care Facility Fund is to increase the availability of quality, affordable, convenient child care for working families.
Project Qualifications
Applicants must be a licensed child care center in the state of Washington or have a copy of their application for a child care license. An applicant may also be a child care provider or employer working together to provide child care services for employees. Applicants may be for-profit or not-for-profit businesses; sectarian organizations are not eligible. Child care businesses may apply for funds to either start or expand child care services.
Please note: licensed home child care providers are not eligible for this program. However, other resources may be available for home care providers, including the Child Care Micro Loan Fund. Please contact program staff listed at the end of this page for ideas and information if you are a home care provider looking to start or expand a home child care business.
Loan funds can be used to:
- start or expand a licensed child care facility.
- make capital improvements in an existing DEL-licensed child care facility.
- acquire personal property for a child care facility that is depreciable under federal tax code.
- purchase health and safety improvements or program equipment for child care facilities
- pay for operational costs for the first three months of a new child care facility.
Grant funds can be used to:
- purchase health and safety improvements or program equipment for child care facilities
CCFF funds cannot be used for:
- refinancing projects.
- travel expense.
- retirement.
- political or religious purposes.
- organizations without proper licensing.
Funds Available
The maximum amount of a direct loan is $100,000. The minimum amount that will be considered for a loan is $25,000. The minimum amount for a grant is $5,000. The maximum amount for a grant is $25,000.
Direct loans:
- require applicants to offer business and/or personal collateral and guarantees to secure financing.
- provide a fixed interest rate (currently 5%, subject to change).
- allow flexible terms tailored to the borrower’s needs.
Grants:
- require the borrower to match the grant on a dollar-for-dollar basis with cash, goods or services.
- require full repayment of the grant if the child care facility ceases to provide child care within specified timeframes.
Application Timeframes
Applications are generally reviewed by the Child Care Facility Fund Advisory Committee four times per year (March, June, September and December).
How to apply for loans and grants:
First...make sure that you read and follow the Guidelines for the Washington State Child Care Facility Fund (click on this link to review program guidelines). Next, contact program staff with your questions, especially regarding current availability of funds.
Important Tip:
One of the very best ways to increase your chance for a successful CCFF loan or grant application is to speak with program staff (names/numbers listed at bottom of the page) BEFORE you begin the written application.
Do not attempt to fill out this application online. If you are not able to save application documents on your computer, contact staff (listed at the bottom of this page) and we will mail you the documents necessary for application. Applications must be submitted in hard copy format, signed and dated.
The links below provide the documents you need to complete an application for a Child Care Facility fund loan or grant. The following loan and grant documents can be downloaded and saved as Microsoft Word documents.
Loan Application Notice: Loan applications for summer quarter 2007 are now being accepted. Loan applications for summer quarter 2007 must be received or postmarked by August 3, 2007. Any loan application postmarked beyond that date will be returned to the sender unopened. Loan awards are subject to the availability of revolving loan funds. Check with program staff for the latest information regarding loan fund availability.
CCFF loan application documents
CCFF Grant Application Notice: Grant applications for summer quarter 2007 are now being accepted. Grant applications for summer quarter 2007 must be received or postmarked no later than August 3, 2007. Currently, no grant funds are available, however we anticipate grant funds will again be available beginning July 1, 2007, subject to the availability of federal funding. Program staff (listed below) can also provide the latest information regarding the availability of grant funds.
Grant application documents
For information contact CCFF program staff
Tom Stilz at (360) 725-4045
Amanda Jackson at (360) 725-4034
Child Care Technical and Financial Resources
Updated May 2007