Organizations wishing to participate in the CACFP may be private non-profit organizations, private for profit organizations or public non-profit organizations.

All organizations making an application must show that they are:

1. administratively capable, which includes but is not limited to demonstrating they have sufficient qualified staff to complete all CACFP requirements;
2. financially viable, which includes but is not limited to demonstrating that the organization has adequate sources of income, excluding CACFP funding, to administer their program; and
3. accountable in the fiscal operations of the program.

In addition to these requirements, private for profit centers must meet the following:

Adults Care Centers
Private for profit adult care centers wishing to participate in the program must qualify by having at least 25% of the adults enrolled in the center receiving Title XIX funds (Medicaid).

Child Care Centers

1. Private for-profit childcare centers wishing to participate in the program must have at least 25% of the children enrolled in the center receiving childcare subsidy (Title XX funds) through the Department of Family and Children Services.; or
2. Have at least 25 percent of the children enrolled meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price meals using the income eligibility statement and the income eligibility guidelines.

The At Risk After School Care Program is another option available to non-profit and for-profit child care centers that meet the 25% eligibility criteria listed above. In order to qualify, the center must operate an after school program which is located in a school zone where at least one school has 50% of the enrolled population qualifying for free or reduced price meals.

Childcare centers, adult care centers, emergency shelters and after-school programs may enter into direct agreement with Bright from the Start to participate in the CACFP or may choose to enter into an agreement under an approved Administrative Sponsor. Family day care home providers are required to enter into an agreement with a Day Care Home Sponsor and cannot sign a direct agreement with Bright from the Start. Sponsoring organizations are approved by Bright from the Start to determine facility eligibility, assist facilities in the preparation of program paperwork, provide training on program rules and regulations, and monitor all sponsored facilities for compliance with program rules and regulations. The sponsoring organization submits claims for reimbursement on behalf of its centers and subsequently distributes the reimbursement to each sponsored facility. Centers under an Administrative Sponsor “pay” the Sponsor no more than 15 percent of their reimbursement in return for the sponsor's services.