This form has been designed to help child care centers, Community Development Corporations (CDC) and other eligible organizations
access funding from LISC’s Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund (RICCELFF) to develop, expand or
improve early childhood facilities in Rhode Island. All
organizations should consult with RICCELFF staff prior to submitting a funding request. Before a
funding decision can be finalized, a site visit may be made by staff and/or consultants and additional documentation requested to gain a better
understanding of your program and your facility plans.
Applications for the 2024 Child Care
Facilities Planning Grant Program will be accepted starting on February 15, 2024.
Decisions will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on
availability of funds, and we will provide an answer within 30 days of
receiving your application. Projects should be completed by September 30, 2024,
with the possibility to apply for a one-year extension.
Applicants must have a Unique Entity ID and active SAM.gov registration – not debarred or suspended – and must have the ability to comply with requirements of a federally funded facility project (including written procurement policy, maintenance of financial reports to show and account for the uses of grant funds, provision of audited financials or acceptable alternative, etc.).
Eligible applicants should demonstrate a commitment to provide early childhood care and education to low‐income families with a public subsidy; OR a commitment to offering a favorable, long-term lease or a lease to own scenario and is partnered with or is committed to partnering with an eligible child care provider.
Grant-funded activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Professional architectural design services for project feasibility and concept design;
- Professional landscape/playground design services;
- Site analysis;
- Engineering studies;
- Legal services (ex: hiring a land use attorney to pursue a change in zoning for allowable use); and
- Environmental survey and review.