Financing

The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc. (CHCF) provides grants to enhance the quality of childcare programs. These grants are made possible through a contract with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Start-Up grants are available to eligible providers who have had a license or registration for six months or less within the five boroughs of New York City (NYC). The Start-Up grant provides a maximum of $300 in equipment, supplies, and other items that are consistent with quality childcare, as determined in consultation with a provider services specialist.

Eligible providers who have had their registration or license for more than six months may apply for a Health & Safety Grant. These grants are for a maximum of $300 in equipment, supplies, and other items that are consistent with quality childcare, as determined in consultation with a provider services specialist.

To determine eligibility, a chiuldcare provider will need to submit:

• A copy of his/her current Registration/License Certificate OR Letter of Acknowledgement issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;
• A copy of a photo ID; AND
• One of the following to determine income eligibility:

1. A copy of the first and second page of the provider’s 1040’s,
2. W-2 form,
3. 1099, or
4. A notarized letter documenting income.

Since there is a limited number of grants available, the following criteria have been established to assist in the selection process. Priority will be given to childcare providers who:

• Have submitted their initial application to become a childcare provider to DOHMH;
• Have had their registration/license for less than 6 months (for Start-Up Grant Applicants Only), or have had their registration/license for more than 6 months (for Health & Safety Grant Applicants Only);
• Have a license or registration that is in good standing;
• Are low-income and/or transitioning from welfare-to-work;
• Are presently providing care for at least 1 – 2 children other than their own;
• Provide care to low-income/subsidy eligible children; or
• Provide care for special needs children; or
• Provide care to children whose parents work non-traditional hours; or
• Provide care to children under 3 years old.

Other grants a provider may qualify for include:

• Quality Improvement Grant –Providers receive intensive technical assistance, specialized training, program-specific equipment, and materials or supplies to meet higher quality standards.
• Health Care Consultancy Grant – Providers receive intensive technical assistance, specialized training to administer medications to children, and complete an approved health care plan.

Call us to apply!

The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is a scholarship program that helps providers pay for training and educational activities with the intent of building provider knowledge, skills and competencies, and improving the quality of childcare. To be eligible for EIP, childcare providers are required to take training and care for children in a program regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH).

EIP eligibility is based on employment, the level of income, and the course or training.

A provider can apply for an EIP scholarship if he/she are currently caring for children as a:

• Registered family childcare provider;
• Licensed group family childcare provider or assistant;
• Childcare classroom staff in a registered school-age program;
• Childcare classroom staff in a licensed childcare center or Head Start; or
• Direct supervisor of any of the childcare staff listed above.

The provider must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Resident Alien authorized to work in the U.S., and must be a paid employee currently caring for children as part of the adult/child ratio requirement in a child day-care program licensed or registered by the NYS OCFS or the NYC DOHMH. Employment verification is required with each application.

The following are NOT eligible for an EIP scholarship:

• Volunteers;
• Substitutes for a family childcare or a group family childcare;
• Adjunct childcare staff;
• Consultants;
• Staff not counted in the adult/child ratio;
• Legally Exempt and No Permit Required (NPR) programs; and
• Providers, staff, and supervisors of programs licensed by the New York State Dept. of Education.

Please note: EIP scholarships will be awarded until funding is depleted or the scholarship year ends, whichever comes first.

For additional information and details on how to apply visit: https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/eip.shtm.

New York City residents should contact CHCF for assistance with the process.

Entrepreneurs throughout Brooklyn are eligible to participate in Brooklyn Public Library’s PowerUP! Business Plan Competition. All contestants have access to free resources and services that can help them write a business plan, and a lucky winner will receive $15,000 in start-up capital.

Participants are also connected to business counselors and attend classes at the public library that help them develop business and marketing plans, financial projections, and do research utilizing library resources.

As the sole sponsor of PowerUP!, Citi Foundation is committed to making Brooklyn a great place to live and work by supporting local entrepreneurship through the Business Plan Competition.

To learn more, read: http://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/business/powerup