INDIANA – The Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation are committing $150,000 in grant funding to support organizations and projects focused on improving access to affordable child care in Indiana communities.
The new round of grants follows more than $100,000 in funding awarded through the foundations last year to five organizations in Indiana working to close the childcare gap in new and innovative ways.
“Inadequate access to high-quality, affordable child care not only creates significant barriers for parents and caretakers to participate and advance in the workforce but also costs employers lost productivity and employee retention,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “Indiana’s childcare challenges are complex, and we hope these grant funds will help communities and employers develop solutions needed to support working parents and the state’s economy.”
State and local government entities, local and regional economic development agencies, and public and private nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $40,000. To be considered, applicants must submit their grant proposal to the Indiana Economic Development Association by Jan. 31, 2025. Awards will be announced in March 2025. For a complete description of the grant program, including requirements, eligibility, and scoring criteria, visit ieda.org/foundation.
“Hoosier families, businesses, and communities all feel the burden of insufficient childcare options,” said Matt Kavgian, executive director of the Indiana Economic Development Association. “Making sure that working parents have access to affordable, quality child care will have long-term benefits for Indiana’s prosperity and economic competitiveness.”
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently released a report examining the impact of childcare challenges on Indiana’s economy. The study found that due to shortfalls in child care, Indiana loses an estimated $4.22 billion annually in economic revenue, including a $1.17 billion annual loss in tax revenue. According to the report, only 61% of children needing care statewide can be served through existing capacity.
