Hoosier employers can still apply to receive assistance from the Employer-Sponsored Childcare Fund, part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is managing the effort.
The $25 million program, a partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, uses a portion of the state’s remaining federal relief funds from the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the early care and education sector.
While round one of applications closes November 22, a second round will be available thereafter with an application deadline of December 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Grant funding can be used to support employees’ childcare needs in a variety of ways, including sponsoring dependent care assistance plans, providing on-site or near-site childcare or offering childcare tuition benefits. Grants of up to $750,000 will be awarded. The full list of allowable uses and details can be found online.
To be eligible, employers must be located in Indiana and either a business or corporation employing 20 or more employees, or a group of employers with 20 or more employees. Community-based nonprofits applying on behalf of a group of local employers with a combined total of 20 or more employees are also eligible. Employers must also be willing to contribute 10% of the total amount requested and be able to implement solutions within the first year of the program.
