Overview
What is a grant?
A grant is money given to an organization to support a specific project, program, or goal. DELC uses grants to strengthen Oregon’s early learning system, support direct service providers, and fund efforts that align with its mission, vision, and goals. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be paid back, as long as the money is used properly. Organizations that receive a DELC grant must report on their progress and show how the funds were used to meet the expected outcomes.
Why consider a DELC grant?
DELC was established to unify and strengthen Oregon’s system of early learning and care. Our mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the needs of all children, families, and early learning professionals. Through grants, DELC invests in efforts that expand access to high-quality care, advance equity, and improve outcomes for children and their families. These funding opportunities are more than financial support—they are a partnership in building stronger communities.
How to apply for a DELC grant?
Before applying for a DELC grant, carefully review the program’s goals, requirements, and any available program manuals to ensure your organization aligns with expectations. Make sure you understand the Funding Opportunity, including deadlines, eligibility, and/or service requirements. Assess your readiness by confirming you have the staffing, financial systems, data tracking, and insurance needed to manage the grant effectively. Finally, consider how the grant supports your organization’s mission, attend any pre-application webinars, and ensure you have the time and capacity to apply and implement the program successfully.
Learn more about DELC grants and contracts below:
The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program is a subsidy program - not a grant. ERDC is managed by DELC and helps families who are working, going to school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pay for child care. Because it’s a subsidy, families still pay a part of the child care cost, called a copayment. ERDC also works with partners across Oregon to help families find and keep quality child care.
New grant programs are often created after legislative actions. For example, the Preschool Promise program was established in 2015 by HB 3380 to increase the availability of high quality, publicly funded preschool programming across the state. Funding decisions are guided by community input, legislative priorities, and alignment with DELC’s strategic plan.
A contract is a legal agreement between two or more parties. At DELC, contracts are used to pay for specific goods or services, like technology, training, or research. In a contract, both sides agree to certain terms, such as timelines, activities, and payment amounts, and are legally required to follow them. Unlike grants or subsidies, DELC contracts often involve more detailed oversight to make sure the work is completed as agreed.
DELC may determine a contract is needed when outside services are required to support DELC programs and the early learning system. These services often involve collaboration with other state agencies through Interagency or Intergovernmental Agreements, or through contracts for research or other specialized services.
Funding for DELC grant programs is set every two years through the state budget process and guided by legislative priorities, community needs, and DELC’s strategic goals. Programs are funded through a mix of state general funds, other special funds (such as the corporate activity tax), and some receive federal funds.
DELC partners with many different types of businesses and organizations across Oregon. As of May 2025, DELC grantees included:
- For-profit organizations: 38%
- Non-profit organizations: 26%
- Public school districts: 18%
- Community college, college, or university: 4%
- Tribe: 2%
- County: 1%
- Other: 7%
DELC grantees and contractors must follow all rules and requirements listed in their agreement, including:
Provide the services or activities as promised in the agreement and work toward meeting all program goals.
Submit accurate, on-time reports that show how money is spent and what progress has been made.
Stay in communication with DELC, attend regular meetings, respond to questions, and follow best practices to keep the program running smoothly.
Use funds only for approved purposes, keep clear records of spending and program activities, and show that you are meeting program goals and agreement terms.
Each DELC program has different requirements, it's important to read and understand requirements before applying and to reach out to DELC with questions.
Each grant opportunity has specific eligibility criteria—such as geographic location, organization type, alignment with program goals, and more—which are outlined through a Request for Applications (RFAs), Request for Information (RFIs), or another type of opportunity. Most DELC grants are awarded through a competitive process, meaning applications are reviewed and scored based on established evaluation criteria, and funding is awarded to the highest scoring applicants.
To explore current opportunities, visit the Funding Opportunities section on the DELC website. Review active RFAs, learn about program goals and requirements, and find detailed instructions on how to apply. If no opportunities are currently open, reviewing past RFAs can provide helpful insight into typical requirements. Be sure to check the Funding Opportunities page regularly and subscribe to the DELC newsletter to stay informed about new and upcoming opportunities.
When DELC needs a contractor for a specific project, the opportunity is posted on OregonBuys, the statewide eProcurement system. Each open opportunity explains the project goals and the minimum requirements, which may include geographic location and subject-area expertise. Open opportunities will also outline application deadlines and evaluation criteria, along with documents that applicants must submit. While current contractors must be registered with OregonBuys to receive payments for current agreements, prospective contractors do not need to register to view open opportunities. Learn more about OregonBuys on the DAS Supplier Information website.