INDIANA – Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), a nonprofit focused on economic and community growth in southern Indiana, has received a $40,000 grant to address the region’s childcare challenges.
The grant, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation (IEDAF), is part of a larger $150,000 initiative to improve access to affordable child care across Indiana.
ROI will use the funds to help three Monroe and Martin County childcare providers conduct facility expansion feasibility assessments. The assessments will analyze the changes needed to increase capacity and enhance learning environments at Bloomington Center for Global Children, Bloomington’s Covenant Christian Early Learning Place, and the Oak Street Village Project in Loogootee.
According to ROI, much of the Indiana Uplands region is considered a “child care desert,” with an estimated 75% of children under age six needing care due to all adults in their homes working. The organization has been working since 2021 with counties in the region to address the childcare landscape and early learning outcomes.
“We’re extremely grateful that Duke Energy and the IEDAF have made it possible to expedite the expansion efforts of these facilities that will fill critical child care gaps in our region,” said Julie Halbig, vice president for Economic and Community Development at ROI.
If the facilities expand as projected, more than 130 new childcare slots could be created, benefiting 280 children in Monroe and Martin counties.
“We know that Indiana’s childcare challenges are complex, and we hope this grant will help Regional Opportunity Initiatives develop the solutions needed to support working parents and the local economy,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy.
The grant comes at a time when childcare challenges are significantly impacting Indiana’s economy. A recent report by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce found that the state loses an estimated $4.22 billion annually due to childcare shortfalls.
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. Duke Energy shareholders fund the Foundation.
Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation
The Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation supports the economic development profession and provides scholarships and other support to tomorrow’s economic development leaders.
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