Philadelphia ECE Loan Fund
The Philadelphia Early Childhood Education Loan Fund offers flexible and low-interest loans to early childhood education providers in Philadelphia to maintain and improve high-quality early learning environments.
About the Philly ECE Loan Fund
The Fund offers loans of up to $50,000 for:
- Facility improvement projects: Medium-term funding for on-site facility improvements
- Bridge to contract: Short-term bridge loans to PHLPreK contracts in the fall
- Debt refinance: Medium-term loan to refinance high interest business debt
General Eligibility
- Licensed center, group, or home child care provider in Philadelphia
- Keystone STAR 3 or 4 provider (Or STAR 2 provider participating in PHLpreK or other move-up initiatives)
- Non‐profit or for‐profit organization
- Currently serving low‐income population (Defined as client population of at least 50% Child Care Works subsidy, or waitlist subsidy, Head Start/Early Head Start, or Pre‐K Counts, or PHLpreK)
- Positive attendance trends and strong business plan
Applications for facility loans are open and accepted on a rolling basis, see below for details! (Inquiries for bridge loans will be accepted each August).
Loan Type
Bridge Loan to Contract
NOTICE: APPLICATIONS FOR 2025-26 ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.
We are able to process a limited number of loans each fall. Loans are reviewed on a first come basis. We were able to process requests for all providers who applied by the two priority deadlines, but closed the application window on 9/11 due to the volume of requests.
Providers accepted for PHLpreK for 2025-2026 may apply for short-term bridge loans to help sustain cash flow during the fall. Providers may apply for a loan equal to up to 2.5 months of their PHLpreK contract. Loan repayments will align with the first five PHLpreK reimbursements. The loan must be fully repaid by April 1.
Apply here.
Create a free account and find the application under “funding opportunities” on your home page.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FINAL DEADLINE WAS UPDATED TO 9/11.
- Application Process and Documents Fall 2025 PHLpreK Bridge Loans
- PHLpreK Bridge Loan Examples
- Loan Closing Process Resources – coming soon
Facility Improvement Loan
If you are interested in a loan for facility improvements, please complete a Contact Sheet and provide information about your proposed project. Please email the completed form to karen.bustard@reinvestment.com.
High Interest Debt Refinance
This Fund can also help providers refinance high-interest business debt (such as from credit cards or online lenders).
If you are interested in a loan to refinance debt, please complete a Contact Sheet and provide information about your proposed needs. Please email the completed form to karen.bustard@reinvestment.com.
Resources
- Application Process and Documents for Fall 2025 PHLpreK Bridge Loans
- PHLpreK Bridge Loan Examples
- Enrollment History Template (facility loans)
- Program Staffing Info (facility loans)
- Operating Projections Template (facility loans)
- Renters’ Insurance