DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds announced today (Wednesday), a third round of funding for the Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program to encourage employers to offer child care as a benefit to their employees.   

This round of the Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program will provide $5 million to support child care projects in Iowa.  Funds may be used to support arrangements between employers and child care facilities to reserve child care slots. Applicants can apply for up to $250,000. 

The Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program will be offered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

“Incentivizing child care initiatives through collaboration with local businesses can help Iowans pursue opportunities that are best for their families,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Tackling this challenge requires everyone in our communities to be part of the solution and this third round of funding underscores our commitment to making child care more accessible throughout the state.” 

“The dividends from these investments in Iowa’s child care system are immeasurable,” said HHS Director Kelly Garcia. “These formative years in a child’s life lay the foundation for future health and well-being and have significant, lasting effects that cut across all HHS programming.” 

A Request for Proposals will be released October 4, 2023 at  https://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/. Proposals are due November 2.  Those interested in learning more about this opportunity can join the Bidders’ Conference October 10, 2023 at Noon by visiting https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606104580. Pre-registration is not required.