The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning on Monday announced the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund, part of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, to mobilize employers and communities to create or expand child care offerings that address the needs of working Hoosiers.

“Employers know first-hand the critical needs of their employees, and are best positioned to partner in their communities to create child care solutions that will help build and retain their workforce,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This targeted grant program will boost Indiana’s economy and most importantly empower the state’s youngest learners with the tools they need to be successful in the years to come.”

The $25 million program, a partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, uses a portion of the state’s remaining federal relief funds from the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the early care and education sector, providing support for today’s workforce and investing in tomorrow’s. The program is also supported by the Indiana Manufacturers Association.

Grant funding can be used to support employees’ child care needs in a variety of ways, including sponsoring dependent care assistance plans, providing on-site or near-site child care or offering child care tuition benefits. Grants of up to $750,000 will be awarded. The full list of allowable uses and details can be found here. 

“Families will benefit from more convenient child care options in their communities, giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and develop alongside their peers,” said Courtney Penn, OECOSL director. “This grant will give parents more opportunities to learn, grow and develop in their careers as well.”

To be eligible, employers must be located in Indiana and either a business or corporation employing 20 or more employees, a group of employers with 20 or more employees or a community-based nonprofit applying on behalf of a group of local employers with a combined total of 20 or more employees. Employers must also be willing to contribute 10% of the total amount requested and be able to implement solutions within the first year of the program.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET Nov. 22. More information and a link to the application can be found here.