$30 million in funding available to support childcare deserts, portal open

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Governor Hochul announced $30 million in additional federal funding to support child care programs located in childcare deserts. The portal is now open to apply for these grants.

The Governor says they will help existing childcare providers in underserved areas.

"As a young mom, I had to leave my job due to lack of access to child care, so I know how important this lifeline is for working parents," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will help expand the availability of quality child care for New Yorkers and remove child care deserts across New York State. With our historic $7 billion investment in child care as part of the State Budget, we will continue to provide parents with this much-needed support as part of our economic recovery."

Allowable expenses include program development costs and short-term program operating expenses, including:

• Personnel costs, including payroll, salaries or similar employee compensation, employee benefits, retirement costs and educational costs

• Supporting staff expenses for accessing COVID-19 vaccines

• Rent or payment of some facility mortgage and utilities

• Training and technical assistance expenses, including professional development, business training and business services

The application is open until August 24.

Providers can click here for more information on the RFA. Grant applications will be accepted from July 20, 2022, until August 24, 2022, with award announcements slated for September.