Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services received a $75.86 million block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families under the Child Care Disaster Relief program (CFDA 93.489). Awarded on October 1, 2025, with a performance period extending through September 30, 2030, this funding supports child care recovery efforts in areas affected by major disasters and emergencies declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act occurring in 2023 and 2024.

The grant funds support comprehensive child care infrastructure recovery activities, including construction, renovation, and alteration of child care facilities; replacement of materials, supplies, furnishings, vehicles, and equipment; mental health consultation services; quality improvement initiatives; and direct child care services. As the designated lead agency administering North Carolina's Child Care and Development Fund program, NC DHHS is responsible for developing a CCDF plan, managing fund allocation across the state's 100 counties, and ensuring compliance with federal auditing standards. This one-time emergency disaster assistance award represents dedicated federal support for restoring child care capacity and services in North Carolina communities impacted by declared disasters.