Across Canada, many communities face a shortage of licensed child care spaces. This limits the number of families your centre can serve and slows your ability to grow. Government infrastructure funding can help. These programs cover the cost of building, renovating, or expanding facilities. This makes it safer and easier to add more child care spaces. For example, the Licensed Child Care Centre Infrastructure Funding Program in Nunavut supports new and expanded licensed child care spaces.
This guide explains how infrastructure funding works, which projects are usually eligible, and how you can add more child care spaces without stretching your budget too far.
Infrastructure funding is meant for physical spaces. It does not cover daily operations. Governments offer these programs because the biggest barrier to more licensed child care spaces is often the cost of capital projects.
With the Licensed Child Care Centre Infrastructure Funding Program (Nunavut), funding can help you:
This funding is helpful if you have strong demand for child care but are limited by room size, building layout, or the condition of your centre.
Exact eligibility depends on the funder, but the Nunavut program is open to:
If you are still working on your licence, you may still qualify. Always check with the Department of Education about the requirements before applying.
Infrastructure funding usually covers one-time capital costs like:
Operating costs, such as staff wages or supplies, are usually not covered.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find infrastructure programs by province and organization type, saving time during your planning.
To successfully increase child care spaces using government infrastructure funding, you need to show how your project will create new licensed spots.
Strong applications usually include:
For the Nunavut program, the amount of funding is not publicly listed and can change depending on project size and available funds. This means you should prepare clear cost estimates and a realistic timeline.
The Licensed Child Care Centre Infrastructure Funding Program is currently open. However, the timing for applications can depend on department priorities and available funds. Some programs accept applications all year, while others have set deadlines.
Getting ready for an infrastructure grant means more than just filling out forms. Careful planning helps your application stand out and avoids surprises later.
Make sure your renovation or construction plan meets all child care licensing standards. Funding approval does not guarantee you can add spaces if your project does not meet these rules.
Describe exactly how many child care spaces your project will create. Don’t just list the construction work. Funders want to see the results.
Infrastructure grants may not cover all costs. Include a plan for any extra expenses or overruns. List non-eligible costs so you are not caught off guard.
If you plan to combine grants, check the rules first. Some programs do not allow you to stack infrastructure funding with other sources.
Q: What types of child care projects are eligible for infrastructure funding?
Projects often include building new licensed centres, renovating existing facilities, or finishing child care projects that are already started. Renovating to add more spaces is a main use for this funding.
Q: Is this funding only for licensed child care centres?
The program is for licensed centres or those working toward a licence. Projects must support licensed child care delivery.
Q: How much funding can a child care centre receive?
Funding amounts are not listed publicly and depend on project size, need, and available budget. Ask the funder for guidance.
Q: Can infrastructure funding be used for renovations to add more spaces?
Yes. Renovations that increase licensed capacity are an approved use of this funding.
Q: Is infrastructure grant funding taxable?
Grant funding may be considered taxable income. Talk to an accountant to see how this applies to your centre.
Adding child care spaces often starts with the right infrastructure funding. The key is to match your expansion plan with programs that support licensed capacity growth.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including child care and infrastructure funding. This helps you quickly check which ones fit your location, organization type, and expansion goals. You may also find these guides helpful: How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules and What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?.
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