Indiana Child Care Grants: $150K to Boost Workforce & Economy
As child care continues to be a critical issue affecting the workforce, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation (IEDAF) are joining forces to address this challenge. Together, they are providing a total of $150,000 in grants to four organizations dedicated to improving access to affordable child care within Indiana communities. Eligible applicants included state and local government entities, regional and local economic development agencies, as well as public and private nonprofit organizations.
“Indiana faces significant child care challenges, and we hope these grants will contribute to solutions that support working parents and strengthen local economies,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “We are eager to see how these initiatives help remove barriers for parents and caregivers, allowing them to fully engage in the workforce.”
A report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in September 2024 examined how child care shortages impact the state’s economy. The findings revealed that Indiana experiences an estimated annual economic loss of $4.22 billion, including a $1.17 billion reduction in tax revenue, due to insufficient child care availability. According to the report, only 61% of children in need of care can be accommodated by existing facilities.
“Access to affordable, high-quality child care is more than a family matter—it’s a key economic factor,” said Matt Kavgian, executive director of the Indiana Economic Development Association. “When parents can work without child care concerns, businesses prosper, communities flourish, and Indiana becomes a more attractive place to live and work. Investing in child care solutions is an investment in economic stability and growth.”
2025 Grant Recipients
These grants follow a previous round of funding in 2024, where more than $100,000 was distributed to five organizations working on innovative child care solutions in Indiana. The latest recipients are:
“Indiana faces significant child care challenges, and we hope these grants will contribute to solutions that support working parents and strengthen local economies,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “We are eager to see how these initiatives help remove barriers for parents and caregivers, allowing them to fully engage in the workforce.”
A report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in September 2024 examined how child care shortages impact the state’s economy. The findings revealed that Indiana experiences an estimated annual economic loss of $4.22 billion, including a $1.17 billion reduction in tax revenue, due to insufficient child care availability. According to the report, only 61% of children in need of care can be accommodated by existing facilities.
“Access to affordable, high-quality child care is more than a family matter—it’s a key economic factor,” said Matt Kavgian, executive director of the Indiana Economic Development Association. “When parents can work without child care concerns, businesses prosper, communities flourish, and Indiana becomes a more attractive place to live and work. Investing in child care solutions is an investment in economic stability and growth.”
2025 Grant Recipients
These grants follow a previous round of funding in 2024, where more than $100,000 was distributed to five organizations working on innovative child care solutions in Indiana. The latest recipients are:
- Fulton Economic Development Corporation (EDC) – Awarded $40,000, Fulton EDC will collaborate with the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, Northern Indiana Community Foundation, and local school districts to assess child care needs in the county. This initiative aims to create a sustainable model that enhances access to quality child care services. A consultant will assist in formalizing the Fulton County Early Learning Coalition, which will include early learning professionals, employers, parents, government representatives, and funding organizations.
- Greencastle Putnam County Development Center (GPCDC) – With a $40,000 grant, GPCDC will engage businesses of various sizes to explore how child care challenges affect workforce participation. Through focus groups, stakeholder discussions, and expert consultation, the initiative will identify solutions such as employer-supported child care programs and repurposing existing facilities. The project will culminate in a "Child Care Expansion Plan" that outlines sustainable improvements, helping Putnam County remain competitive for both families and businesses.
- Hendricks College Network – Receiving a $30,000 grant, this nonprofit organization will focus on expanding child care options with weekend and evening programs, conducting public awareness campaigns, and advocating for policies that support providers and families. The funding will also support research into best practices and policy changes aimed at increasing child care capacity and quality. Additionally, efforts will be made to encourage more providers to accept Indiana Child Care Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K vouchers.
- Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) – ROI, which promotes economic and community development in Indiana's Uplands region, will use its $40,000 grant to support feasibility studies and facility expansion assessments for three child care providers: Bloomington Center for Global Children, Covenant Christian Early Learning Place in Bloomington, and Oak St. Village Project in Loogootee. Conducted by IFF, a Community Development Finance Institution, these assessments will identify necessary infrastructure changes to increase capacity and enhance the quality of early learning environments.
By investing in these projects, the Duke Energy Foundation and IEDAF aim to create long-term solutions that will improve child care accessibility, allowing more parents to participate in the workforce while fostering economic growth in Indiana communities.
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