Challenges

Access, Scalability

Location

Iowa

Stakeholders

Businesses, Nonprofits, State Government

Beneficiaries

Job Seekers, Children, Parents

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Overview

A coalition of nonprofits, state agencies, and businesses in Iowa partnered to launch a Childcare Solutions Fund pilot, matching local private donations with state funding to expand childcare capacity statewide.

Key Impact Metrics

  • 21.5
    new childcare slots added per 1,000 children
  • $2.8M
    distributed in funding by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • $6.1B
    projected increase in statewide personal income if program is scaled

Problem

Communities in Iowa faced a severe shortage of affordable childcare, which was identified as a top barrier to women’s workforce participation. Many parents had to reduce hours due to the lack of childcare openings. This access gap was contributing to stunting local economic growth and leaving employers struggling to fill jobs as families juggled limited childcare options.

Solution

The Iowa Women’s Foundation and the Common Sense Institute, in partnership with the state government, created the Childcare Solutions Fund (CSF) pilot in 2024. This fund matches privately raised local dollars with state grants to finance new childcare projects tailored to each community’s needs. Local coalitions applied for CSF funding to start or expand childcare centers, add classrooms, or recruit and train providers. By combining public and private funding, the CSF invested in facilities, workforce recruitment, and quality improvements. Data on outcomes were rigorously tracked, and an economic analysis was conducted to forecast the statewide impact of scaling the program.

Results

  • Beneficiary Impact275 new childcare slots created across seven pilot communities, and 5,000 women projected to enter the workforce if program is scaled statewide
  • Employee Impact223 new childcare staff hired across pilot communities
  • Financial Results$5.3 million in combined public and private funds distributed

Replication Tips

  • Community-driven projects: Allow each community to identify its own childcare needs and propose solutions. Guided autonomy ensures funding addresses on-the-ground gaps and garners local support.
  • Start with Pilot, Then Scale: Test the model with a pilot in diverse communities. Use lessons learned and outcomes from the pilot to refine the program structure, then scale up statewide or to other regions in phases for broader impact.

Suggested Implementation Timeline

~12-20 months

Sources