A new grant program aimed at helping local and tribal governments address child care needs will open for applications on August 18, 2025. The Local Government Childcare Planning Grant Program was established by HB24-1237 to support municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and early childhood development service districts in assessing child care demands and adopting policies that encourage the creation of child care facilities.
The grants are designed to help recipients retain consultants or other professional services to evaluate community child care requirements, including considerations of equity. Funding may also be used for revising policies, programs, land use codes, and regulations related to child care facility development. However, the program does not provide funds for capital construction or design.
Applicants must schedule a pre-application meeting with program staff before submitting their proposals. This meeting is intended to help potential applicants discuss project ideas and determine funding eligibility. Applications are due by September 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. MST.
According to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs: “This brand new program provides planning grants to local and tribal governments to help them better understand child care needs and adopt policy and regulatory best practices in order to promote the development of child care. Capital construction and design funds are not available through this program.”
The intent behind the Planning Grant Program is “to fund planning work to adopt a qualifying strategy listed in the menu of best practices or an innovative option not currently on the list as approved by program staff.”
