Governor Pritzker Announces $60 Million Competitive Grant Program for Early Childhood Facilities

News from the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development: 

Governor Pritzker has announced $60 million in capital grant opportunities for Illinois early childhood education providers via the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program. The funding will support the construction, expansion, and renovation of facilities that support early student learning across the state.

This initial grant installment will provide $60 million to qualifying public school districts and not-for-profit early childhood facilities providing educational, health, social, or child development services to children under 6 years of age and their families. Centers seeking to increase their capacity to provide care or educational opportunities for children in underserved communities are eligible for up to $10 million under the Early Childhood Construction Grant. A three to ten percent match is required.

Applications for the Early Childhood Construction Grant can be found on the Illinois Capital Development Board webpage and will be accepted through October 10, 2022. For more information, including selection criteria, visit Grants (illinois.gov), or contact Lauren Grenlund. Additionally, IFF is providing free technical assistance and will be hosting two information sessions that will walk through the application and provide tips and advice on how to prepare a strong application.