1604 Child Care Challenge Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Child Care Challenge Grant Program

[31 Pa.B. 4971]

   The Department of Community and Economic Development (Department), in cooperation with the Department of Public Welfare, gives notice of the establishment of a $10 million Child Care Challenge Grant Program (Program) which authorizes the award of grants to for-profit and nonprofit child care organizations that serve or agree to serve children from low-income families or cash assistance eligible families whose income does not exceed 235% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The maximum grant is $1 million per fiscal year, not to exceed 75% of the eligible project cost. The minimum grant is $50,000. The Program funds child care projects in areas of this Commonwealth where there is a capacity shortage. The joint agency Program is intended to improve access to center-based child care that could enhance employment opportunities for low-income families, improve the quality of care and contribute toward community development efforts. Eligible applicants must be endorsed by their regional child care resource developer and must demonstrate that there is broad community support for the project. Preference is given to eligible applicants that offer service during nontraditional hours and to children with disabilities. Program guidelines, which set forth the eligibility criteria and the application process, are found on the Department's website at www.inventpa.com. Nonprofit child care organizations may apply online at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Nonprofit economic development organizations or nonprofit community development organizations may apply to the Department on behalf of for-profit child care agencies. Information about the nonprofit economic and community development organizations are found on the Department's website at www.inventpa.com.

   Program inquiries and applications should be directed to the Child Care Challenge Grant Program, Small Business Financing Office, Department of Community and Economic Development, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225, [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail [e-mail].

SAMUEL A. MCCULLOUGH,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-1604. Filed for public inspection August 31, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]