FSSA extends applications for employer-sponsored child care grants

Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) on Friday announced it will extend the application period for its employer-sponsored child care grants by adding a second window.

The $25 million program offers employers seed funding for child care initiatives using some of the state’s remaining pandemic-era federal relief funds.

The agency opened the program, which is a partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, last month.

The first round of applications are due on the original deadline of 11:59 p.m. on November 22. But a second round will close at 11:59 p.m. on December 15.

FSSA will award up to 75% of the funds in the initial round, according to a news release. Award announcements will go out in December.

The agency will consider any unsuccessful first-round applications, along with new applications, during the second round. It’ll make awards public in January.

“Families will benefit from more convenient child care options in their communities, giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and develop alongside their peers. This grant will give parents more opportunities to learn, grow and develop in their careers as well,” said Courtney Penn — director of FSSA’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning — in last month’s announcement.

To be eligible, employers must be located in Indiana and be a business or corporation, a group of local employers or a community-based nonprofit organization applying on behalf of a group of local employers. In each scenario, the entities must employ a staff of 20 or more.

Employers must also be willing to match 10% of the total amount they request, and be able to take action within the first year of the program.