ELF funding is open to nonprofits, public entities, K-12 schools and districts, tribes and for-profit businesses. The type of eligible applicant depends on the requirements of the current funding round being released as indicated below. Nonprofit and for-profit business applicants must be registered in the State of Washington. All applicants must be able to meet all applicable licensing and certification requirements under specific RCWs and WACs pertaining to the early learning and childcare services proposed in the facilities to which the funding will be applied.
Grants will be available to fund acquisition, construction, renovation, pre-design, and pre-development projects with the intention to either expand or maintain Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and/or Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) early learning facility capacity. ELF funding is open to nonprofits, public entities, K-12 schools and districts, tribes and for-profit businesses for expansion or facility maintenance projects.
To learn more about this grant opportunity and prepare for the application process, please visit the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) page. Resources are available for the 2025-2027 Expansion and Maintenance Competitive Grant.