Austin News

Austin childcare centers and family childcare providers could receive up to $50,000 from a $1 million grant program by the City of Austin Economic Development Department as part of COVID-19 pandemic relief. 

According to a July 21 news release, the Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant will allow childcare centers and providers to receive a one-time reimbursement for operating expenses. 

“Local childcare centers fill an essential need for our Austin families with children,” City of Austin Economic Development Department Acting Director Sylnovia Holt-Rabb said in a statement. “As directed by the Austin City Council, this program will ensure that programming and operations of these critical community service providers can continue.”

The grant funding was approved back in May by the Austin City Council and was formerly known as the Childcare Support Fund, according to the release. 

Criteria for the grant funding includes the childcare providers to be Texas Rising Star certified or have at least completed an accreditation assessment, or be nationally accredited, according to the release. The childcare providers must also serve Childcare Subsidy (CCS) families, be owned by members of underrepresented communities, and have not received prior "recovery funding." 

Deadline for applications is Oct. 1 or until funding is spent. For more information contact childcarereliefgrant@uwatx.org or call 512-225-0390.