The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it will close applications for the Child Care Facilities Improvement Grant Phase 2 on Sept. 30.
The $5 million program, which began accepting applications in September 2024, provides grants of up to $20,000 to registered Family Child Care homes (FCCs) to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment, supporting the improvement of health, safety, accessibility and quality in the child care environment.
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. To apply, and for eligibility information, click here.
The program supports the enhancement of New Jersey’s registered FCCs, a crucial component of the state’s mixed delivery system for child care. 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 2, NJEDA has received hundreds of applications and has approved dozens of FCCs for over $1 million in funding. It builds on the success of Phase 1, which has awarded over $120 million in funding to 600 child care centers to date.
Eligibility is limited to registered FCCs that have enrolled at least one child receiving support from the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Assistance Program. Up to 40% of grant funding will be reserved for eligible applicants in Opportunity Zones. Other non-FCC child care centers are not eligible for Phase 2 funding.
An informational webinar will be held before the submission deadline on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. To register, click here.
