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Department of Early Education and Care

Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund

The EEOST Capital Fund supports physical facility improvements at early education centers that serve low income children.

Massachusetts provides capital grants to early education and care programs to expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play and grow. 

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Overview of the EEOST Capital Fund

EEOST capital funding is made available through the Governor's Capital Investment Plan and is appropriated to the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The Healey-Driscoll Administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan increased these grants by $4 million a year for 4 years.

EEC partners with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and their affiliate, the Children's Investment Fund, to award grants of up to one million dollars to EEC-licensed large group early education and out of school time programs. The EEOST Capital Fund grants provide matching funds that leverage private investment.

All of the programs selected to receive an EEOST Capital Fund grant award serve publicly subsidized families, have demonstrated financial need, and have secured additional funding to pay for a portion of their project costs.

In fiscal year 2024, as part of the Administration's whole-of-government approach to addressing the climate crisis, EEC is prioritize projects that focus on clean energy and decarbonization. Projects that include security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats, such as active shooters and installation of security cameras and access control systems, will also be prioritized.

EEOST Capital Fund Projects

Since 2013, the EEOST grant program has awarded over $51.4 million to help fund 110 projects.

Funding supports renovations and construction projects to expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play and grow.

The grant allows for a variety of improvements including, but not limited to, modifications to improve indoor air quality, emergency repairs such as roof replacement or upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more. Previous capital projects have ranged from outdoor sensory paths to new keycard security systems to adding multiple classrooms and bathrooms at a center.

Additional Resources

Open file, Previous EEOST Awardees

Open file, Learn more about available Capital Grants from EEC

How to apply for an EEOST Capital Fund grant

The application for fiscal year 2024 capital opportunities is currently open on Commbuys.

Small Grants ($200,000 - $500,000 in funding per project)

$14.3 million in capital opportunities is available for early education and out-of-school time facilities that serve low-income families. For the first time, for-profit child care centers and out-of-school time programs that serve at least 50% of children who receive child care financial assistance will be eligible through a separate application.

Applications opened November 9 and close January 23, and for the first time will accept an electronic signature and include a fully online submission.

Large Grants ($500,000 - $1,000,000 in funding per project)

$4 million in capital opportunities is available for nonprofit early education and out-of-school time facilities that serve low-income families. Application opened December 20 and closes February 1.