Early Education and Out of School Time Capital Grants

The Capital Grants supports physical facility improvements at early education and out of school time programs that serve low income children.

Massachusetts provides capital grants to early education and care programs to expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play and grow.  

Overview of Capital Grants

Capital grants are made available through the Governor's Capital Investment Plan and are appropriated to the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The Healey-Driscoll Administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan increased these grants by $4 million a year for 4 years.

EEC partners with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and Mass Development, to award grants to EEC-licensed large group early education, out of school time programs and Family Child Care programs. The Capital grants provide matching funds that leverage private investment.

Capital Fund Projects

Since 2013, the capital grant program has awarded over $65 million to help fund over 125 projects.

Funding supports renovations and construction projects to expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play and grow.

The grant allows for a variety of improvements including, but not limited to, modifications to improve indoor air quality, emergency repairs such as roof replacement or upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more. Previous capital projects have ranged from outdoor sensory paths to new keycard security systems to adding multiple classrooms and bathrooms at a center.

Small Capital Grants for Non-Profit Programs

This grant period is not currently open. Please check back soon for additional details.

Large Capital Grants for Non-Profit Programs 

This grant period is not currently open. Please check back soon for additional details.

Family Child Care Capital Grant

The application for the second round of the Capital Grant for EEC Licensed Family Child Care programs will open on October 1, 2025 and is due October 31, 2025 at 11:59pm. You may apply for the grant through the LEAD portal. You can find more about the grant program by visiting MassDevelopment's Grant Page.

Below are guidance materials for the application process, including a sample preview of the application that will appear in the LEAD portal, and a video guide to help you apply and strengthen your submission.

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Click here for YouTube playlist with FCC Capital Grant Overview videos in Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Spanish.

Early Childhood Emergency Fund

The Early Childhood Emergency Fund supports all programs licensed by the EEC that have been forced to shut down or significantly alter normal operations due to unforeseen circumstances and require financial assistance to resume normal operations. Learn more here.