This paper outlines the federal funding programs that sustained advocacy, applied research, data collection and analysis, knowledge production, knowledge transfer and community capacity building in early learning and child care (ELCC) in the period 1988 – 2007. It discusses the background and context for these funds, their purposes and uses, available information on effectiveness, and alternative opportunities for funding. Looking forward, it discusses why renewed federal funding for applied research, data, capacity building and advocacy is essential if the current federal government’s commitments to building a child care system and to collaboration, consultation with stakeholders, transparency, and evidence-based policy-making are to be met.