[United Way of Central Alabama](https://www.uwca.org/for-nonprofits/grants)

April 16, 2026: Full application deadline (EXCEL Childcare Expansion Grant)

Up to $25,000 per organization; one-year grant period (June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

Supports DHR-licensed childcare providers in Central Alabama to expand enrollment through facility improvements that increase program capacity.

Funds are for one-time expenses tied to increasing capacity; not for ongoing operations or staffing.

--- ## Description The EXCEL Childcare Expansion Grant, administered by United Way of Central Alabama, is designed to help existing DHR-licensed childcare providers in Central Alabama expand their capacity to serve more children in high-quality early-learning programs. Funding is intended for one-time facility enhancements, repairs, or improvements that are directly linked to increasing enrollment or capacity. The program aims to address the region’s need for more affordable, high-quality childcare by enabling providers to improve or expand their facilities. --- ## Due Dates - April 16, 2026: Full application deadline (EXCEL Childcare Expansion Grant) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $25,000 per organization - Grant period: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 - All funds must be spent within the grant period --- ## Eligibility To apply, organizations must: - Be an existing DHR-licensed childcare provider in Central Alabama (Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, or Walker counties) - Meet at least one of the following: - Operate a center-based DHR-licensed program - Be a DHR-licensed home-based provider actively transitioning to a center-based model - Be a DHR-licensed childcare facility opening a second or third location - Note: Home-based providers cannot apply to expand enrollment within an existing home-based facility --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted via the [UWCA online grant system](https://uwca.fluxx.io/). - First-time applicants must create an account on the portal before accessing the application. - Required documentation may include: - DHR license - IRS tax exemption letter - Business license - Applications must clearly demonstrate: - Good financial standing - Adequate staffing or a realistic plan for increased enrollment (grant funds cannot be used for ongoing staffing) - Use or planned implementation of quality standards - A specific plan and budget for how the funds will be used to increase capacity --- ## Additional Information - Allowable expenses: Facility enhancements (e.g., classroom build-outs, licensing improvements), repairs tied to increased capacity or safety, and learning environment improvements that support sustained higher enrollment. - Not allowed: Ongoing operating expenses (such as staffing), supplies not tied to enrollment increases, lobbying, or fundraising. - Grantees must submit quarterly performance reports and a final report. - Award notifications will be sent by the end of May 2026. - A virtual information session was held March 10, 2026; a recording is available upon request. --- ## External Links - [EXCEL Childcare Expansion Grant Information Page](https://www.uwca.org/for-nonprofits/grants/#excel) - [UWCA Grantee Portal (application submission)](https://uwca.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [How to use the UWCA online grantee portal (step-by-step guide)](https://www.uwca.org/how-to-use-our-online-grantee-portal/) - [Contact UWCA](https://www.uwca.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Role/Notes | |---------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Olivia Hayes | [olivia.hayes@uwca.org](mailto:olivia.hayes@uwca.org) | Primary contact for EXCEL grant questions |

EXCEL Childcare Expansion Grant

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