• Grant funded by foundations for Duke Energy, Indiana Economic Development Association
• Recent study shows Indiana loses out on an estimated $4.22 billion annually for the state’s economy due to child care challenges
• Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $265,000 in grants to Indiana organizations since 2023

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Child care has become a key workforce issue and the Hendricks College Network is exploring how to tackle it with a $30,000 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.

Hendricks College Network – a nonprofit that provides access to and support for post-high school education, business training, and workforce development in Hendricks County and the surrounding region – plans to utilize its grant to:

• expand access to higher quality care with weekend and evening programming;
• conduct a public education and engagement campaign to advocate for policies and innovative solutions that strengthen child care access for families and ease burden on providers; and
• increase the number of providers accepting Indiana Child Care Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K vouchers.

“We’ve heard so many stories of parents who are forced to forgo employment altogether because suitable child care simply isn’t available. They paint a vivid picture of the urgent need for solutions that support families and strengthen the workforce,” said Brandy Wethington, executive director of Hendricks College Network. “We’re extremely grateful to have Duke Energy and the IEDAF supporting the ongoing work of the Hendricks County Workforce Coalition and its strategic plan that includes strategies and tactics designed to expand access to high-quality child care in our community.”

The funding will also help the organization take a deep dive into data, research innovative practices, and advocate for policies that assist providers with increasing capacity, improving quality, and investing in new and unique solutions.

“We know that Indiana’s child care challenges are complex, and we hope this grant will help Hendricks College Network 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% of children needing care statewide can be served through existing capacity.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation

Supporting the economic development profession, the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation provides scholarships and other support to tomorrow’s economic development leaders.