Empower Awards by Action for Children

Child care programs in Central Ohio go above and beyond every day for our community. Action for Children is excited to announce new Empower Awards to provide support for programs as they care for children and families! Read the FAQs.

Award availability is dependent on the county in which your child care program is located. Empower Awards are granted to programs that achieve one or more of the eligibility goals below between July 1, 2022 and July 28, 2023 (DEADLINE EXTENDED FROM APRIL 28, 2023).


Available Empower Awards for licensed child care programs in Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, or Union County:

  • An award of $1,000 for programs that sign a new PFCC agreement
  • A $2,500 award for centers and a $1,000 award for FCCs that gain their first SUTQ star
  • A $2,500 award for centers and a $1,000 award for FCCs that remain SUTQ rated for 6 months
  • A $10,000 award for centers and a $5,000 award for FCCs that increase to a 3, 4, or 5 SUTQ star
    *If you maintained your 3-,4-, or 5-star rating please refer to the maintenance incentive above.
  • An award of $1,000 for programs that become licensed through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services
  • An award of $20,000 for child care centers that open an infant classroom
  • An award of $15,000 for child care centers that open a toddler classroom
  • An award of $10,000 for child care centers that open a preschool classroom

Available Empower Awards for licensed child care programs in Franklin County:

  • An award of $1,000 for programs that become licensed through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services
  • An award of $20,000 for child care centers that open an infant classroom
  • An award of $15,000 for child care centers that open a toddler classroom
  • An award of $10,000 for child care centers that open a preschool classroom

*PFCC and SUTQ Incentives through Franklin County RISE are available for programs located in Franklin County.

If you’ve already achieved one of these goals, look for an email from jbarlup@actionforchildren.org or complete your Empower Award application for opening a new classroom below.

Empower Award applications for opening a classroom are currently paused.

For all other awards, applications will be emailed once eligibility is confirmed.

 

Empower Award FAQs
Questions?  Email EmpowerHelp@actionforchildren.org