Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grant
The Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grant from Nebraska DHHS funds minor facility improvements and equipment to help providers meet licensing and expand child care capacity in Nebraska.
Funder: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (monthly deadline; postmarked by the first of each month)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 for Family Child Care Homes; up to $10,000 for Child Care Centers; one-year expenditure period.
Summary: Supports Nebraska child care providers in starting or expanding programs by funding minor facility improvements and equipment to meet licensing and capacity needs.
Key Information: Applicants may only receive one Child Care Grant every three years; allowable costs are strictly defined.
Description
This program provides financial support to new and existing Nebraska child care providers for starting up or expanding their licensed programs. Funding is intended for minor building modifications and the purchase of allowable equipment necessary to meet state licensing requirements or to increase the capacity or type of care offered. The goal is to increase the availability and quality of child care, particularly for families eligible for subsidies, and to ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing standards. Funds are drawn from the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
