Portland Growing Child Care Grant

Applications for the Portland Growing Child Care Grant Program (PGCC) are available starting Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Made possible with American Rescue Plan Act funds, the focus of this program is on encouraging the start up of home-based child care businesses for up to 12 children as well as assisting existing home-based child care, smaller center based child care (less than 75 children) and out-of-school child care (before and after school) for profit and nonprofit. Applications received after April 14th, 2022 will be reviewed by the end of May. Any references to child care in grant materials include all of the above types of businesses. 


The Portland Growing Child Care Grant Program grants up to $15,500 for new child care businesses (home-based) and up to $11,000 for existing child care businesses.


Child Care Journey Map

Child Care Journey Map Page 2


New/Start Up Home Based Child Care Business        

Eligibility 

  • Business is located in Portland or desires to open a home-based child care in Portland. 

  • Plan to care for 3-12 children for start-ups (strongly recommended applying to care for up to 12 children). 

Funding Structure 

Tier 1: First Funding Installment

  • Up to $1,000 (paid directly to City Permitting/Inspections for Home Occupation and Conditional Use Permit, Red Cross for CPR/First Aid Training) to complete the permitting and licensing process, including but not limited to: fees, training, permits and other costs to become fully licensed. 

Tier 2: Second Funding Installment (Provide copies of City Permits and State License Application)

  • Up to $10,000 for start up costs including but not limited to: infrastructure, supplies, equipment, etc. 

Tier 3: Final Funding Installment (Provide copy of State License)

  • Up to $4,000 for initial payroll costs, etc. (employee payroll only) 

  • Additional $500 if Provider plans to accept  the State of Maine Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) and demonstrates enrollment upon submitting this application. More information about CCSP can be found HERE. 

Existing Child Care Business (including Home-Based, Out-of School (before and after school) and Centers that serve less than 75 children.

Eligibility 

  • Business is located in Portland 

  • Currently licensed 

  • Priority will be given to those with a willingness to open up additional slots as a result of this investment. 

Funding Structure 

  • Up to $10,000 grant  

  • Additional $500 if the Provider is currently accepting Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) or demonstrates enrollment upon submitting this application. More information regarding the State of Maine CCSP can be found HERE.   

  • Additional $500 if the Provider is willing to become a mentor site for CDA trainees in need of a practicum site.

Uses of Grant Funds:  

  • Eligible costs/expenses: payroll (employee only), infrastructure improvements demonstrating long term sustainability, enhancement of COVID19 safety protocols (such as outdoor  play and other) and/or increase of slots as a result of this one time investment. 

APPLY

GRANT DETAILS

Grant Details in:   Español               Français              Português                عربي               Soomaali

WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY? 


Some of the documentation you will need: 

  • City of Portland Growing Childcare Grant Application;

  • Personal financial statement - from all owners of the business with 20% ownership or greater (new start-up child care business only);

  • 2020 personal federal tax returns (new child care business) or 2020 personal tax return with schedule C/business tax return (existing child care business) or 990 for nonprofits;

  • Personal credit report (City will pull these).

HOW DO I APPLY? 

Click on the Apply button on the City’s website. Applications are on google forms. You must log into a google account to fill out the form. If you do not have a google account you can create one HERE. If you are unable to access an application or have questions, please contact Kaela Gonzalez at kgonzalez@portlandmaine.gov or 207-756-8233. 

CITY REGULATIONS AND STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR OBTAINING PERMITS AND LICENSES FOR HOME-BASED CHILD CARE BUSINESSES

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