Thank you for your patience as we’ve been working on the Child Care Infrastructure Fund (CCIF). We have made A LOT of progress towards opening our first round of funds. Our partners at the Department of Early Learning and Care will be hosting a recorded informational webinar soon (date TBD) to introduce applicants to the agencies who will be providing technical assistance. We will be sharing more updates on a regular basis to add details and clarify the application process. For now, here are four broad updates for the CCIF program:

• • The first round of funding will consist of $10 million to distribute to providers throughout Oregon. We hope that providers from every county in Oregon will apply for these grant funds. We anticipate that we will have an application ready early on this summer and will let you know as soon as we have a firm date. A second round of funding will become available late 2024.

These funds are limited to fixed and immovable assets. We have four different project types, each with specific minimum and maximum funding amounts you can apply for. They are:

• • Planning Projects (up to $75,000)
  • Minor Renovation and Repairs ($20,000–$100,000)
  • New Construction or Major Renovation (over $100,000–$2,000,000)
  • Property Acquisition ($20,000–$2,000,000)

We want everyone who is eligible and interested to apply for this grant. However, this will be a competitive process. We have developed prioritization criteria, which includes:

• • Culturally specific organizations or early learning programs
  • Programs expanding or creating new child care slots
  • Programs expanding or offering infant and toddler care
  • Programs in the most severe child care deserts, using state child care desert data
  • Programs that offer extended hour care
  • Programs that accept subsidy such as Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
  • Programs that operate full day (at least six hours per day), and full year (approximately 136 hours a month or 1,632 hours a year)
  • Programs that can demonstrate readiness to proceed and are able to spend funds quickly (all funds distributed in this round MUST be spent by May 2027)
  • Programs that are able to demonstrate long term sustainability

Below is a list of the application information you could begin to gather. Required attachments will vary based on project and applicant type and may include the following:

• • Project description, including the problem you are addressing and how the proposed project will solve this problem
  • Contractor bids (2-3)
  • Up to ten photos of the proposed project site (please do not include children in photos)
  • Central Background Registry documentation for new providers
  • Property appraisals (for acquisition projects only)
  • Proof of site control – this may include a lease agreement, rental agreement, deed, property tax statement or mortgage payment coupon (LOIs or MOUs may be considered)
  • If leasing or renting the property, written approval from the property owner for construction/renovations to be performed
  • If the applicant is a non-profit with tax-exempt status, they must give proof of their 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) status. Applicants who have applied to become nonprofits with the Internal Revenue Service may submit proof of application

Additional attachments for projects over $100,000:

• • Detailed map showing the location of the project, including tax lots/parcels and zoning designations
  • The study conducted to determine the feasibility of the project, or any preliminary architectural/engineering/planning work that has been completed
  • Plans and specifications for the project
  • Documentation from the city or county planning agency that indicates the project is consistent with acknowledged local comprehensive plan and land use regulations o Funding letters of commitment, if applicable