The rise in the number of single parent and dual career families has made child care a critical issue for employers.  The Child Care Facility Fund (CCFF) was created in 1991 to provide financial assistance through loans and grants to employers and now, child care businesses.  The mission of the Child Care Facility Fund is to increase the availability of quality, affordable, convenient child care for working families.

Applicants must be a licensed child care business in Washington or have a copy of their application for a child care license.  Applicants may also be a licensed child care provider having a contract with an employer to provide child care services for its employees.  Applicants may be a for-profit or not-for-profit businesses; sectarian organizations are not eligible.  Child care businesses may apply for funds to either start or expand child care services.

Loans fund can be used to:

• start or expand a licensed child care facility
• make capital improvements in an existing
  DSHS-licensed child care facility
• acquire personal property for a child care facility
  that is depreciable under federal tax code
• purchase child care program equipment
• pay for operational costs during the first three
  months of a new child care facility
• Grant funds can be used to:
• purchase health and safety improvements or
  equipment for child care facilities

CCFF funds cannot be used for:

• refinancing projects
• travel expenses
• debt retirement
• political or religious purposes
• organizations without proper licensing

The maximum amount of a direct loan is $100,000.  The minimum amount that will be considered for a loan is $25,000. Commercial loans can be guaranteed up to $25,000 (or 80% of the loan amount, not to exceed $25,000).  The minimum amount for a grant is $5,000.  The maximum amount for a grant is $25,000.

Direct loans:

• require applicants to offer business and/or personal
  collateral and guarantees to secure financing
• provide a fixed interest rates of five (5) percent
• allow flexible terms tailored to the borrower’s needs

Grants:

• require the applicant to match the grant on a dollar-for-dollar basis with cash, goods or services
• require full repayment of the grant if the child care facility ceases to provide child care within specified timeframe

1452 Hudson Street, U.S. Bank Building, Suite 208, P.O. Box 1278 , Longview, WA 98632
Phone: (360) 423-9921 | Fax: (360) 423-1923 | Copyright © 2002 CEDC | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | Site by Agent 47