The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced that applications for the second phase of its Child Care Facilities Improvement Grant will close on September 30, 2025. The program, which began accepting applications in September 2024, allocates $5 million to provide grants of up to $20,000 each for registered Family Child Care homes (FCCs). These funds are intended for purchasing furniture, fixtures, and equipment to improve health, safety, accessibility, and overall quality within child care environments.
An informational webinar will be held before the application deadline to assist prospective applicants.
“Phase Two of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program supports the enhancement of New Jersey’s registered FCCs, an essential component of the state’s child care mixed delivery system. To expand access to the positive effects of early child care, the NJEDA aims to provide FCCs with support that promotes long-term stability and ensures that the child care environment that they provide is safe, healthy, accessible, and conducive to high-quality early learning. Since launching Phase Two nearly a year ago, NJEDA has received hundreds of applications and has already approved dozens of FCCs for over $1 million in funding.”
The current phase builds on previous efforts; Phase One distributed over $120 million in funding to 600 child care centers across New Jersey.
Eligibility for this round is restricted to registered FCCs with at least one child enrolled who receives support from the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Assistance Program. Up to 40 percent of grant funding will be set aside for qualifying applicants located in Opportunity Zones. Other types of non-FCC child care centers are not eligible for this phase.
Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
