Phase 3 COVID-19 Stabilization Grant

The Phase 3 application closed on November 30, 2022.

Grant checks will be mailed to approved programs beginning early 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your application or Phase 3?

What was the Phase 3 COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grant application period?

The Phase 3 – COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grant application period was November 1-30, 2022.

When will grant checks be mailed?

Grant checks will be mailed to approved programs beginning early 2023.

What program types were eligible to apply for Phase 3?

Eligibility was based on federal guidelines and was available to programs that:

  1. are licensed child care providers who are open or temporarily closed due to COVID-19 and planning to reopen OR
  2. are approved (Relative or In-Home) child care providers on or before March 11, 2021, and still approved at the time of application.
What is the amount of the Phase 3 grant?

The Phase 3 formula will be based on licensed capacity, per child and will be finalized after the application period ends to ensure the complete amount of the remaining funds are used. Licensed capacity will be verified by the State of Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO).

Phase 3 includes additional funding opportunities for eligible programs based in the following locations:

The additional funding amounts vary per category.

What are the funding sources for Phase 3?

The funding for Phase 3 is possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), with the CCPO as the lead agency and thread as the intermediary for the grant application and distribution. The source of the ARPA funding is the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Phase 3 will use approximately $24 million remaining in ARPA for stabilization grants, and $5 million in CRRSAA for the workforce initiative.

Additional location-based funding opportunities in Phase 3 are supported by a grant from the Municipality of Anchorage’s Assembly and Mayor’s Office, and a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

What is the purpose of the workforce initiative funding opportunity?

Early childhood educators are vital to a high-quality program. For eligible programs that opt-in to receive the workforce initiative funding, this amount of funding must be used on strategies within the “Personnel Costs” category. This may include increased hourly wages, benefits (health, retirement, educational, etc.), premium pay, retention, recruitment and other strategies to support the workforce.

For more information on allowable uses of these funds visit the Office of Child Care website. Additional ideas and information for the use of these funds will be shared soon!

What is the CFDA number?

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number is: 93.575.

How do I know if my grant application was received?

Immediately after your initial submission, you will receive a “thank you” message on the screen that your application was submitted for review. This lets you know that your application was received and is being reviewed by thread.

If thread has questions regarding your application, you will be notified by email and/or phone. You will have the opportunity to submit any missing information or correct any mistakes. The goal is for every eligible program to receive a grant.

How long will it take to process my grant application?

Your grant payment will be processed within 60 business days after your application has been received, reviewed, and approved by thread.

Important Note: This is not 60 days from the time your application is submitted, but 60 days from the time your application is reviewed and approved by thread.

When will I find out if my grant application is approved and will receive a grant?

Once your application has been reviewed, verified by the Child Care Program Office (CCPO), and approved for payment, you will receive an email from thread. This email serves as your approval notification and indicates that your check will be arriving shortly.

How long do I have to spend the grant funds?

There is no time limit by which the grant needs be spent as long as it is spent on the approved categories listed on the grant application. It is important to keep records in the event your program is audited.

Do I have to repay the grant?

No. The Phase 3 COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Grant does not have to be repaid as long as you meet all of the certified acknowledgements on the application during the six (6) month grant period. The six (6) month grant period begins with the receipt of your grant check.

Will my program be taxed on the grant funds?

There may be tax implications for your program, please consult with the IRS, an accountant, or tax specialist for guidance. For tax purposes, programs are considered the “beneficiary” of these federal funds. The State of Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO) is designated the “lead agency” and thread is the “intermediary.”

Will there be additional stabilization grant opportunities from the ARPA funding?

No. Phase 3 is the third and final phase of the COVID-19 Stabilization Grant Program.

What happens if my address changes after I submitted my application?

If your address changes after your application has been submitted, please contact thread at covidrelief@threadalaska.org.

I received a third-party solicitation promoting this grant program. Is that a communication from thread?

The State of Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO) and thread have been promoting/communicating the Phase 3 Child Care Stabilization Grant program via the CCPO and thread websites, social media platforms, and email sent from the thread and/or CCPO email account (covidrelief@threadalaska.org, ccpo@alaska.gov, etc.).

Third-party communications related to this grant program are not controlled or endorsed by the CCPO and/or thread. The CCPO and thread do not recommend or endorse any product or service activity related to the use of funds from the Phase 3 Child Care Stabilization Grant program.