Tri-Share Child Care Model: Joining Business and Philanthropy

As the cost of living continues to rise, one burden weighs especially heavy on working families: child care. For many, it’s not just expensive—it’s a barrier to employment and economic stability. For families that earn too much to qualify for child care subsidy, child care costs can still be overwhelming. But what if there were a way to ease that burden while supporting businesses and strengthening communities?

Enter the Tri-Share Child Care Model—an innovative solution that brings together three key players: employers, families, and public or philanthropic partners to share the cost of child care. It’s a model that’s already proving successful in states like Michigan, and it has the potential to reshape the way we think about supporting working parents nationwide.

What Is the Tri-Share Child Care Model?

At its core, the Tri-Share model divides the cost of child care evenly among:

1. Employers, who benefit from increased employee retention and productivity,
2. Employees, who can now afford quality care without sacrificing large portions of their income,
3. A third-party sponsor—usually the state or local government or a philanthropic organization—which helps bridge the affordability gap.

This three-way split creates a sustainable system that not only supports families but also drives economic growth and workforce participation.

Why Businesses Should Get Involved

Businesses often talk about the importance of talent retention and supporting working families. The Tri-Share model gives them a tangible way to back up that commitment. When employees have access to affordable, reliable child care, they’re more likely to stay, show up, and thrive at work.

By participating in Tri-Share, companies can:

• Improve employee morale and loyalty,
• Attract a broader talent pool (especially women and caregivers),
• Demonstrate their values through action, not just words.

It’s a win-win—businesses become stronger by supporting the families that keep them running.

The Role of Philanthropy

Philanthropic organizations and community foundations are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts in this model. Their investment can serve as the "third share" of funding, especially in communities where state or local dollars aren’t yet allocated for Tri-Share initiatives.

Philanthropy can also:

• Fund local pilot programs to prove the model’s impact,
• Support administrative coordination,
• Advocate for broader public adoption at the state or federal level.

In short, philanthropic support can make or break the launch of a successful Tri-Share program in a community.

Local Collaboration Is Key

Implementing Tri-Share doesn’t require sweeping national reform—it thrives on local partnerships. Businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropic leaders can come together with child care providers and community organizations to tailor a model that works for their specific region.

Examples of effective local collaboration include:

• Regional employer coalitions pooling resources to participate,
• Community foundations stepping in to fund the philanthropic share,
• Child care navigators helping families access and understand their benefits.

How to Get Started in Your Area

If you're a business leader, foundation director, or community advocate, here are some steps to explore bringing Tri-Share to your region:

1. Start the conversation – Talk to other employers, nonprofit leaders, and local government officials about the child care challenges families face.
2. Identify partners – Look for like-minded businesses and philanthropic organizations willing to share in the investment.
3. Pilot a program – Start small. Launch a pilot with a few employers and track results to build momentum.
4. Advocate for public funding – Work with state and local governments to support or expand public investment in Tri-Share initiatives.

Closing Thoughts

Child care is not just a personal issue—it’s an economic one. By working together through models like Tri-Share, businesses and philanthropic organizations can create a future where families thrive, employees stay engaged, and communities grow stronger.

It’s time to think big, act locally, and share the load. Let’s invest in families—together.