According to the United States Federal Government, a grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States. Many federal agencies offer grants in different areas. Child care centers just happen to be one of them. For example, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) and the Community Facility Grant Program offer federal grant assistance to qualifying applicants.

The USDA manages the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) by providing grants to states. It is administered in most states by its designated educational agency. In others, it is run by the state's department of health or social services department. The program serves delicious and nutritious meals to eligible children (based upon a child's eligibility to receive free, reduced, or paid lunch) attending child care centers, after school programs, family home day cares, and adults enrolled in adult daycare centers. Public and private non-profits, Head Start programs, and other educational institutions are eligible for grant assistance if they are licensed and approved to provide daycare services. Child care centers can receive cash money back for meals served to children that meet federal nutrition guidelines.

This particular grant is opened to public entities such as counties, municipalities, non-profit corporations, and tribal governments, to name a few. The Community Facility Grant Program provides funds to assist in the development of essential and well-needed facilities in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Lower populations with lower income levels will receive a higher percentage of grant funding. Grant funds can be used to enlarge, construct, or enhance community-based facilities for community and public services and other sectors. Child care centers fit within these categories. All applications are filed with USDA rural development state office.

The U.S. Department of Education of Health and Human Services administer funds to states to help low-income families with child care services who work, train for work, or attend school. If your child care center is eligible to receive federal funds, then you may be able to benefit from this particular grant.

Following instructions is a major factor in your grant proposal's approval or denial. Prior to applying for any grant assistance, make sure you read the grantor's rules and requirements thoroughly.