Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) received a $2,001,450 formula grant award from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care, under the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) – Territory Mandatory program (CFDA 93.596). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, supports child care services for low-income families in the Northern Mariana Islands. As the designated lead agency, DCCA administers funding to improve child care affordability and enhance service quality, enabling working parents and those pursuing education or training to access subsidized, quality child care while supporting early childhood development initiatives across the territory.

The CCDF Mandatory and Matching Funds program operates as a formula grant mechanism under Section 418 of the Social Security Act and does not require annual appropriations. Recipients must submit a three-year Comprehensive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan for Administration for Children and Families approval and comply with specific regulatory requirements under 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99. DCCA, consistent with the program's structure, may sub-award portions of the grant to local nonprofit organizations and community entities to facilitate comprehensive service delivery. The lead agency is responsible for establishing sliding fee scales, coordinating with other federal and local child care programs, and maintaining all financial records for three years following submission of required financial reports.