City Of Austin Provides COVID-19 Relief Grant For Childcare Centers

AUSTIN, TX — The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces a new grant program to support and sustain Austin childcare centers and providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant is a $1 million fund that will provide grants up to $50,000 to reimburse eligible operating expenses for childcare providers.

The grant program is designed to give immediate and equitably-focused one-time financial assistance to eligible childcare centers, including family childcare home providers.

Childcare providers that are Texas Rising Star certified (or demonstrate appointment scheduled to complete the Texas Rising Star accreditation assessment) or have National Accreditation are eligible to apply.

Childcare centers that serve families receiving a Childcare Subsidy (CCS), centers owned by members of historically underrepresented communities, and centers that have not received other recovery funding are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
“Local childcare centers fill an essential need for our Austin families with children,” shared Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the City of Austin Economic Development Department. “As directed by the Austin City Council, this program will ensure that programming and operations of these critical community service providers can continue.”
 
Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant

The Austin City Council approved Resolution 20200507-023 on May 7, 2020, to designate $1 million for the Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant (formerly the Childcare Support Fund).
 
Austin childcare centers and providers that experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for grants of up to $50,000 to reimburse for eligible operating expenses.

Eligible childcare providers must be able to demonstrate an economic loss associated with COVID-19 and must be located in a City of Austin Council district.
 
The Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant application will be live online starting Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 10:00 AM.

Austin childcare centers and providers that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to prepare their answers and documentation in advance by reviewing the application, eligibility criteria, and required documentation at ATXrecovers.com prior to the application date.
 
As part of a partnership with the City of Austin, United Way for Greater Austin will accept submitted applications and provide consultation and case management services to grant applicants.

Every eligible application submitted will be evaluated against a matrix that includes criteria for need, vulnerability, and equity. Applications must be submitted before the October 1, 2020, deadline or until all funds are expended (whichever comes first).
 
Informational Webinar on Wednesday, July 22 from 9:00-10:00 AM
Register for the City of Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant Informational Webinar with United Way for Greater Austin
 
Application Questions Preview:
Starting Thursday, July 16, 2020
 
Application Opens:
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 10:00 AM.
 
Application Closes:
Until funding is expended or until October 1, 2020 (whichever is first)
 
For eligibility questions and application assistance, contact United Way for Greater Austin by email ChildcareReliefGrant@uwatx.org or by phone 512-225-0390.
 
COVID-19 Austin Childcare Center Impact Survey

At the request of the City of Austin and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs conducted an online survey of Austin area childcare centers.

The survey sought to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the childcare industry. These survey results will help inform how to distribute limited recovery funds equitably.
 
The survey results showed that affordable and safe childcare services are critical to getting many Austinites back to work.

Even as childcare centers are reopening, many parents are reluctant to send their kids back, fearing the possibility of COVID-19 transmission and infection.

Childcare centers are facing lower enrollment, enhanced sanitation and social distancing requirements, and declining revenue.

Supporting these providers will be central for the success and sustainability of reopening the Austin economy.
 
Read the full report of results for the COVID-19 Austin Childcare Center Impact Survey online.