FEDCO receives $40K grant to address workforce issue of affordable child care

Child care has become a key workforce issue and the Fulton County Economic Development Corp. (FEEDC) is exploring how to tackle it with a $40,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation (IEDAF). 

The funding is among $150,000 in grants to four organizations and projects focused on improving access to affordable child care in Indiana communities. 

With its grant, an alliance of the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Caston and Rochester school districts and FEDCO is looking at an innovative, community-driven approach to assess child care needs in Fulton County. This group will develop a sustainable model, while enhancing access to quality child care services. By leveraging the expertise of a consultant, the group plans to formalize its Fulton County Early Learning Coalition, which includes early learning professionals, employers, parents and caregivers, government officials and funders.

"The critical child care shortage we have here in Fulton County directly impacts economic growth, employee retention and business stability," FEDCO Executive Director Michael Ladd said. "To meet this challenge head-on, we want to establish a long-term, scalable system that ensures the well-being of children and the economic vitality of our community. We are extremely grateful that the Duke Energy and IEDA foundations are collaborating with us on this effort."

Through partnerships with local stakeholders, businesses and educational institutions, the nonprofit will work toward a comprehensive solution that increases child care availability, supports working families and strengthens the local economy.

“We know that Indiana’s child care challenges are complex, and we hope this grant will help Fulton County develop the solutions needed to support working parents and the local economy,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “We’re looking forward to seeing how their work removes significant barriers for parents and caretakers to participate and advance in the workforce.”

"Access to quality, affordable child care is not just a family issue – it’s an economic imperative,” said Matt Kavgian, executive director of the Indiana Economic Development Association. "When parents can fully participate in the workforce, businesses thrive, communities grow, and Indiana becomes a more competitive place to live and work. Investing in child care solutions is investing in the strength and stability of our economy."

State and local government entities, local and regional economic development agencies, and public and private nonprofit organizations were eligible to apply for grant funding. This new round of grants follows more than $100,000 in funding awarded through the foundations in 2024 to five organizations in Indiana working to close the child care gap in new and innovative ways. 

In September 2024, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce released a report examining the impact of child care challenges on Indiana’s economy. The study found that Indiana loses out on an estimated $4.22 billion annually for the state’s economy, including a $1.17 billion annual loss in tax revenue, due to shortfalls in child care. According to the report, only 61 percent of children needing care statewide can be served through existing capacity.