Grant Description: This grant is designed to reduce lead in drinking water by supporting projects that address the underlying causes of elevated lead levels in child care and educational facilities. It provides essential funding to help facilities ensure that children have access to safe drinking water. Eligible activities include remediation to decrease lead hazards and the replacement of water pipes and fixtures within facilities. Reimbursable expenses may cover the removal and replacement of internal plumbing, faucets, drinking fountains, water filling stations, lead service lines, lead connectors, and other lead-free devices used for drinking, cooking, or preparing infant formula and food. All remediation work must be performed by a licensed plumber, except for filter installations, which may be completed without one.
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Operating and has an active child care license at the time of the request.
- Have failed their most recent lead test (lead levels of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or more).
For grant awards exceeding $500, a second lead test is mandatory to confirm initial results. Funds will only be released once these test results have been submitted to CCLD and all work is completed. Reimbursement for eligible projects completed on or after January 1, 2023, may be available for active programs if they have receipts and meet all eligibility requirements.
Funding Award by Program Type: Funding award will be based on program type, failed lead test (the most recent lead test showing levels of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or higher), the remediation action associated with water lead testing, the project’s specific needs, and availability of funds.
| Program Type |
Funding Eligibility |
| Regulated Subsidy Child Care (RS) |
Not to exceed $5,000 |
| Registered Family Child Care Homes (RF) |
Not to exceed $5,000 |
| Certified Family Child Care Homes (CF) |
Not to exceed $5,000 |
| Certified Child Care & School-Age Centers (CC) |
Not to exceed $15,000 |
| Certified Outdoor Nature-Based Programs (ON) |
Not to exceed $15,000 |
Grant Priorities:
- Programs for Young Children: Serving children six and under.
- Older Facilities: Buildings and homes constructed before 2014, which are more likely to contain lead pipes, fixtures, or solder.
- Historic Child Care Buildings: Long-standing or historic buildings utilized for child care services.
- Child Care in Low-Income Communities: Programs located where schools have at least 50% of students who receive free or reduced lunch, Head Start or Early Head Start programs, or those meeting similar criteria.
Grant Process:
Applications must be submitted through the secure portal, https://wou.edu/tri/forms or by mail to TRI to be considered complete and eligible for funding.
- Phase 1: Application. Complete and submit the application to TRI, including a bid for the remediation project. The application period opens on December 1, 2025. TRI will review applications on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, applying early is crucial.
- Phase 2: Project Approval & Agreement. If your application is approved, TRI will notify you. You must then submit a Grant Agreement and the WOU W9 form.
- Phase 3: Active Project. Once approved, you can begin your project. It's essential to save all receipts for qualifying reimbursable expenses. All remediation work, except for filter installations, must be performed by a licensed plumber.
- Phase 4: Payment & Reimbursement. Upon project completion, submit the Payment Request Form and copies of all original receipts to TRI. Payment may take up to 30 days to process after receipt of the completed payment request form. TRI will award payment for approved expenses up to the maximum allowed amount.
Please note that, since these dollars are federal funds, participants must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the WIIN Grant Guidebook.
Questions: (503) 838-8008 or wiin@wou.edu