Important Notice Regarding Availability of Funds
All grant awards and/or commitments to lend are based on the availability of funds. Program staff listed at the bottom of this web page can provide the latest information regarding the availability of funds for loans and grants.
One of the very best ways to increase your chance for a successful CCFF loan or grant application is to speak with program staff listed at bottom of the page BEFORE you begin a written application.
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.
The Department of Commerce manages the CCFF program, with program assistance and funding for grants provided by the Department of Early Learning (DEL) through the Federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Block Grant. To learn more about the Department of Early Learning and how to become a licensed provider please visit www.del.wa.gov.
Please note: licensed family home child care providers are not eligible for this program. However, other resources may be available for licensed family home care providers, including Child Care Micro Lenders.
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 developmentally-appropriate 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 developmentally-appropriate health and safety improvements or program equipment for child care facilities.
CCFF funds cannot be used for:
- construction
- refinancing projects
- travel expenses
- debt incurred prior to the date of project approval
- 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 generally $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 and/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 (January, April, July and October).
How to apply for loans and grants:
First...make sure that you read and understand 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, including current availability of funds.
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 loan application form, the grant application form, and Appendix B can be downloaded and saved as Microsoft Word documents.
Loan Application Notice: Loan applications for fall quarter 2009 are now being accepted. Loan applications for fall quarter 2009 must be received or postmarked by September 28, 2009. 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 are not currently being accepted. Check this web page on or after August 12, 2009 to learn if grant applications will be accepted for the fall quarter. There is a possibility that all grant funds for state fiscal year 2010 will be awarded by this date. You are also encouraged to contact program staff at any time to inquire about the availability of funds for grants.
CCFF grant application documents:
For information contact CCFF program staff
Tom Stilz at (360) 725-4045
Amanda Jackson at (360) 725-4685
Child Care Provider Information Resources
Updated July 2009