1,267 New Child Care Seats Funded In Our First 15 Months

Across Oregon, early care and education (ECE) providers are answering their communities’ calls to expand, preserve, and improve facilities where young children learn and grow. They’re opening new locations, managing facility renovation projects, and building high quality programs that reflect the languages and cultures of the families they serve. All this, while continuing the essential work of nurturing Oregon’s youngest children in their existing programs.

In an industry that is historically underfunded and overworked, this is a heavy lift.

ECE Program Manager Rachel Langford emphasizes:

“Child care providers are experts in guiding and nurturing the growth of young children—not conceiving of, financing, and managing complex expansion projects. This is where BuildUp Oregon comes in with support.”

As a coalition of four Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), BUO’s goal is to expand access to child care by supporting providers with grant funding for facilities, accessible loans, and technical assistance. We make it easier for providers to grow their businesses, which results in serving more families and children.

Since launching our grant and loan programs in March 2024, we have committed $30.8 million in total to ECE facilities projects across Oregon. This includes $23.4 million from the PFA Facilities Fund and $7.4 million from the OHCS Co-Location Fund. Across these two funds, 2,279 seats have been created, enhanced, or preserved, which has increased access to child care.  

One PFA Facilities Fund grant awardee, Martha Thomas, reflects on the difference BUO made in helping her open a second location for TCA Creative Minds: “The mission isn't about us, but about the kids. Educating and growing them in a safe and secure environment is crucial to their long-term success. As a result of BuildUp Oregon funding, they have it now."

A Closer Look at Our First 15 Months of Funding

More Than Just Funding

Providers are the backbone of early care and education. They play a critical role in supporting families, our current workforce, and the next generation. But even the most resourceful providers face complex challenges when it comes to expanding or improving their facilities. From finding suitable space to navigating complex regulatory hurdles between licensing, zoning, and permitting to accessing flexible funding to pay for it all – it’s a hero’s journey that most providers have historically had to navigate on their own.

This is why BuildUp Oregon’s work goes beyond funding. We pair each provider with a Facilities Advisor, who offers one-on-one technical assistance through every step of the process. This can look like:

• Building a business plan
• Project feasibility and site analysis
• Commercial leasing support
• Working with architects and contractors
• Navigating complex and uncoordinated regulatory processes

Facilities Advisor Audrey Duffy reflects, “Funding opportunities like BuildUp Oregon are rare for child care providers. While child care is an essential service, it is often underappreciated and overlooked.  BuildUp Oregon offers providers valuable support, and I am proud to be involved.”

Support Our Work

The progress we've made in just 15 months has already changed the child care landscape—but it’s only the beginning. Programs like the PFA Facilities Fund and the OHCS Co-Location Fund are critical tools in addressing Oregon’s child care crisis, where 72% of counties are considered child care deserts. But these programs don’t sustain themselves. Sustained investment, ongoing policy support, and renewed funding are essential to keep this momentum going.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Stay Informed: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on funding opportunities, success stories, and advocacy efforts.
• Explore Funding Options: Visit our Solutions page to learn more about the support available for child care providers.
• Advocate for Continued Investment: Contact your representatives, share stories of impact, and help make the case for renewing and expanding programs like the PFA Facilities Fund and the OHCS Co-Location Fund.

Together, we can continue to build a more equitable, accessible child care system—one facility at a time.