SRF 260061 FY26 Massachusetts Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund Grant

The FY26 Massachusetts Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund Grant, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, makes available up to $5 million through a competitive grant process designed to support critical capital improvements in licensed large group child care and out-of-school time facilities serving low-income families across the Commonwealth. Funding awards can be up to $1,000,000 per project to assist qualified organizations—primarily non-profit, center-based programs with at least 50% low-income child enrollment—in undertaking acquisition, design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, and related soft costs for facilities. Eligible projects include those that demonstrate readiness, sound fiscal planning, and compliance with all applicable state regulations, including licensing standards, environmental testing, accessibility (ADA), zoning, and local building codes. Grant recipients must commit to maintaining early education and care use for at least 15 years, with a strong emphasis on addressing underserved populations, including those with high social vulnerability, and achieving geographic balance across regions of Massachusetts. Applicants must submit a pre-application by February 5, 2026, followed by a full application due June 4, 2026, both submitted exclusively through the prescribed online portals. The evaluation process employs a comprehensive 100-point rubric prioritizing accurate and professional cost estimation (25 points), capital project readiness and feasibility (25 points), and organizational and financial stability (25 points), with additional points awarded for site considerations, social vulnerability index factors, and settings that promote equity such as participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises and serving priority populations. The award is determined through a best value trade-off analysis, weighing technical merit, financial soundness, and social impact rather than lowest cost alone. Applicants must provide detailed project documentation—including site control evidence, architectural and engineering plans, phased development schedules, cost estimates verified by qualified professionals, and competitive bidding results—and commit to rigorous reporting, financial disclosure, and compliance monitoring, supported by technical assistance from Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF). Projects are expected to complete within 24 months of award, with final acceptance contingent on successful inspection and relicensing by EEC, ensuring the sustained quality and safety of child care environments statewide.