$10k Grants for community ECEC services in South Australia

Community-based early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in South Australia are amongst the many expected to benefit from a recently announced grant funding program, which will see those eligible have access to up to $10,000 in funding to continue to provide services and support vulnerable children and families during the current pandemic.

In order to be eligible for funding, services must: 

• have not-for-profit objectives;
• be community-based; 
• be currently operating within South Australia for at least 12-months, delivering services or support to the South Australian community; and be either: 

• a legal entity, or 
• a sponsored entity (if applying through a legal entity).

A total of $3.35 million has been committed towards the COVID-19 Support Grants as part of the South Australian Government’s response to COVID-19.

Funding will be prioritised to support organisations who provide services to vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians in response to COVID-19, with South Australian Minister for Human Services, Michelle Lensink, urging community organisations to apply for the grants.

“We know many South Australians are hurting right now and in times like these, the community often turns to not-for-profit organisations for extra support,” she said.

“The COVID-19 Support Grants of up to $10,000 will mean our community organisations can continue to operate, adapting their existing programs or providing new programs and services to meet the needs of all South Australians, in particular our most vulnerable.”

Funds may be used, Ms Lensink said, for things such as personal protective equipment, website upgrades, IT equipment and software to support remote working for staff, and other needs arising from this unforeseen period. 

The grants will initially be available for a six month period, with the COVID-19 Support Grants temporarily replacing the regular Grants SA program, recognising community need at this time.

Applications are now open and close on October 30, 2020. For more information or to apply visit the DHS website, here.