Child Care Grant Opportunities in Erie County

Erie County Start Up Grant

Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program

The Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program, administered by Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and Dormitory Administration of the State of New York (DASNY), will provide reimbursement grants to independent private colleges and universities, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, public authorities and public colleges and universities for the design, construction, reconstruction, renovation , and equipment needs for child care centers.

To effectively address New York’s continuing need for affordable, quality child care services, the Child Care Capital Program (CCCP) was created as part of the 2023 enacted State Budget. For Fiscal Year 2026, New York State has allocated an additional $100,000,000 to the program. When combined with funds remaining from the initial appropriation, $105,000,000 will be awarded to qualified child care programs through this competitive funding opportunity. Of the total amount available, up to $25,000,000 may be awarded to Municipalities for the construction and/or reconstruction of child care facilities owned or operated by municipalities in New York State.

Application submission period is 2/2/2026-3/13/2026. The project must be shovel ready and have a budget of at least $500,000 in eligible costs. Go to www.ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/grants/construction-fund/ for more details.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Business Services Specialist at 716-877-6666 ext. 3041

Business Navigator Project

The Business Navigator provides business leaders with key strategies they can use to support caregivers, along with tools to guide implementation. Employers in New York State who are seeking to deliver a child care strategy that focuses on the specific needs of their employees, and provides a strong return on their investments, will find the essential resources, case studies, and regional contacts to begin this process, or augment a plan already in place.

Employer-sponsored child care is an investment in the workforce that can yield significant returns. Providing employer-sponsored child care solutions can reduce turnover, increase productivity, attract talent, reduce absenteeism, and enhance the overall workplace culture.

The Business Navigator is proving to be an invaluable resource for businesses across the state by supporting their employees to align their work responsibilities and caregiving needs. This alignment is essential for businesses to stay strong and competitive, while also safeguarding equitable economic opportunities for employees.

Connect with our Director of Business Services & Child Care Supply at 716-877-6666 ext. 3082 for strategies to connect with local employers.

Empire State Child Care Share Pilot Program

Many working families in NYS struggle to secure affordable and high-quality child care. A lack of access to affordable and high-quality child care results in some New Yorkers leaving the workforce to care for their families, and this disproportionately affects women. In response, NYS is piloting the Empire State Child Care Share (ESCCS) Pilot Program, which will support eligible working families, in accordance with OCFS guidelines, by sharing the cost of child care three ways amongst eligible families, employers, and the State. Those families with income levels of 85-100% of the State Median Income would be eligible.

Please contact our Director of Business Services & Child Care Supply at 716-877-6666 ext. 3082 for more details.