Portland Growing Child Care Grant Program

The Portland Growing Child Care Grant Program is administered by the City of Portland, Maine, and is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The program's primary objective is to support the development and expansion of child care businesses within Portland. Specifically, it aims to encourage the launch of new home-based child care operations, as well as to assist existing home-based, center-based, and out-of-school (before and after school) child care providers in expanding capacity and hiring staff. Applications for this grant are reviewed on a monthly basis and remain open at this time. The grant provides financial support in three main categories. New home-based child care businesses may receive up to $15,500 in funding to help cover startup costs. The funding is distributed in three installments: an initial installment of up to $1,000 for required permitting and licensing costs, a second installment of up to $10,000 for infrastructure and equipment needs, and a final installment of up to $4,000 for initial payroll expenses. An additional $500 is available if the provider agrees to accept the State of Maine Child Care Subsidy Program and demonstrates enrollment. Existing child care businesses licensed in Portland are also eligible for grant funding. Businesses serving more than 50 children can apply for a $5,000 grant to support costs associated with hiring new employees, such as advertising, training, and administrative expenses. All existing licensed child care businesses, regardless of size, can apply for up to $10,000 for business expansion purposes, including payroll, hiring, expanded hours, programming, and infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate more children. Additional bonuses of $500 each are offered to providers that accept the Child Care Subsidy Program or are willing to serve as mentor sites for Child Development Associate trainees. Eligibility for the program is limited to businesses located in Portland, Maine. New home-based applicants must plan to care for between three and twelve children. Existing applicants must be currently licensed child care businesses in Portland. The application process requires submission of various documents, including a personal financial statement, recent tax returns, and a personal credit report (which the City will obtain). The application is submitted online via a Google Form accessible through the City of Portland’s website. Assistance is available by contacting Kaela Gonzalez at 207-756-8233 or via email. Key program materials, including detailed grant guidelines and a step-by-step guide for obtaining necessary permits and licenses, are provided in multiple languages. The City of Portland emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility in supporting potential applicants. While no specific application closing date is provided, the recurring monthly review process allows applicants to submit materials on an ongoing basis. The opportunity remains active, and applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.