CHILDCARE

Childcare affects families, employers, providers, and local economies across Indiana. Explore Fortitude Fund’s ideas, documents, and mini-papers on practical paths forward.

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$4

Billion Annually

Is the estimated economic activity Indiana loses because of childcare deficiencies, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

31.000

Children

Were on Indiana’s statewide childcare waitlist before April 2026.

– 6.7%

In Childcare Capacity

Is the year-over-year decline in licensed home childcare capacity, weakening one of the most flexible parts of the childcare system.

Childcare is central to Indiana’s workforce and economic future. When families cannot access reliable care, parents miss work, employers lose talent, and local economies feel the impact.

At the same time, providers are operating in a fragile system where affordability, capacity, and unstable public funding make long-term sustainability difficult.

Fortitude Fund Thought Leaders are advancing ideas to improve childcare access, affordability, and provider sustainability across Indiana.

The goal is to move from short-term relief to long-term reform by treating childcare as the economic infrastructure it is.

  • Transform the childcare business model

  • Use data-smart oversight

  • Bring underground providers into the formal system
  • Elevate the childcare provider voice
  • Integrate childcare into education finance

$200M by the State of Indiana,
CCDF Infusion

Helps restore voucher access for 14,000 children off the waitlist.

$2.5M for Allen County,
Tri-Share Grant

Helps reduce the waiting list and make care more affordable.

Childcare Thought Leadership Documents

Explore the main materials outlining the challenge, opportunity, and proposed ideas for strengthening childcare in Indiana.

If You Have 3 Minutes, Start Here

A quick visual overview of the challenge, opportunity, and five ideas for long-term change.

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The Short Version for Decision-Makers

A concise summary of the childcare findings, key ideas, and recommended next steps.

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For Meetings, Briefings, and Presentations

A slide version of the childcare thought leadership materials for conversations with partners and stakeholders.

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Learn More About Fortitude Fund’s Childcare Thought Leadership

A stronger childcare system supports working families, helps employers retain talent, strengthens local economies, and creates opportunities for childcare entrepreneurs.

Please complete the contact form to get involved. If you’re unable to finish the form or prefer to reach out directly, contact us at john@fortitudefund.com