Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Addressing the funding gaps for early childcare centers - Three Roots Capital (3Roots) will use $150,000 in CED Planning funds to build the administrative capacity of the community to develop a fundable CED project to implement early childcare centers in low-income census tracts in Knoxville and surrounding counties. This CED Planning grant will address funding gaps in an area of Tennessee where 40% of children ages zero to five live at or below the federal poverty line. In addition, there is a lack of quality, affordable, accessible childcare, average costs of childcare in Tennessee represent 18% of median household income in Knoxville-Knox County, or 72% of household income for a single parent earning minimum wage. In partnership with the Knoxville Area Urban League, 3Roots will search for high-quality, job creating early childcare projects in low-income census tracts, identify a local social service organization to assist with wraparound services in licensure and support, develop relationships with early childcare business owners, and increase collaboration for areawide childcare workforce development efforts. Specifically, 3Roots will use CED Planning funds for staff time, benefits, local travel and space and equipment costs for stakeholder events. Planned outcomes for the Planning grant include robust business plans, alignment of wraparound services and accurate and current financial reporting for three early childcare centers, which will position 3Roots to submit a CED job creation project application in Knoxville.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).