Child Care Fund Information

The deadline for the 2008 cycle has passed. Please check back in August for the 2009 application.
Printable version of 2008 information

What is the Harvard University/HUCTW Childcare Fellowship?
Started in 1989, the Fellowship was created to support working families. Monetary childcare assistance was chosen over on-site care because of the diversity of members' childrens' needs. Yearly awards are given to members of the HUCTW bargaining unit whose arrangements qualify (see "Who is eligible?"). The Fellowship runs from January to December rather than on the fiscal year.

How are awards calculated?
Awards are inversely related to household income and in accordance with financial need. Fellowships cover only a portion of the childcare costs for each applicant.

How is scholarship money distributed?
Beginning January 1, 2008, recipients can choose to receive awards (up to $5,000 if filing taxes as single or married filing jointly or up to $2,500 if married and filing separately) to be delivered without tax withholding through a flexible spending account. Applicants who are not interested in this option can choose to have their awards included in paychecks. The award is considered “extra compensation” and will be taxed at approximately 40%. Information and workshops will be available to help you determine what award delivery option is best for you. Information on whom to contact and workshop dates will be included in your award letter.

When will the awardees receive their award information for 2008?
Award letters will be mailed to home addresses in late September.

Who is eligible?
You must:

be part of the HUCTW bargaining unit
work at least 17.5 hours per week at Harvard
have a childcare costs incurred during working hours
have a child or children under age 13 whom you can claim as a dependent (a child who turns 13 during the award year is eligible for the part of the year that he or she was under age 13), in the care of one of the following:
- a licensed* childcare center, family provider, after-school program, summer camp or vacation camp
- an in-home provider with a social security or tax ID number**

*These providers must be licensed according to the requirements of the Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services.
**We are required to have record of this number.

How to apply

Fill out your application completely.
Attach* the first page of your 2006 1040 federal tax return. Your child must be listed as a dependent on this form. If s/he is not, attach both your tax return and the return where your child is listed. Those married filing separately, please attach both tax forms. If you are waiting for a tax form, please submit the rest of your application and estimated 2006 household income by the deadline and then submit your tax form as soon as possible.
*If you are a current (July to December 2007) Childcare Fellowship Recipient who submitted a 2006 1040 federal tax return, you do not need to attach your 2006 federal tax return.

Applications must be received by Friday, September 14, 2007 (extended deadline) at the HUCTW Office.

Use one of these methods to apply:

	On line application (not available after 9/14 deadline)	You'll receive immediate e-mail confirmation of receipt.
	Mail a paper copy to the HUCTW Childcare Fellowship at the HUCTW Office: 15 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138	You'll be notified within three business days from the time we receive your application.
	Fax a paper copy to 617-661-9617 (call within 15 minutes to confirm fax)	You'll be notified within three business days from the time we receive your application.

If you have questions about the HUCTW Childcare Fellowship, e-mail us