New small‑scale grants open to boost early learning access in communities of need

The Australian Government has opened a new round of Building Early Education Fund small‑scale grants, making up to $80 million available to help small not‑for‑profit providers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) build or expand early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in areas where families face limited access.

The grants form part of the Government’s broader $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, designed to increase the supply of early learning places in outer suburban, regional and remote communities where demand continues to outstrip availability.

Three Grant Streams Now Open

Funding is available across three targeted opportunities:

1. Small Not‑for‑Profit Providers and In‑Venue Family Day Care

At least $20 million is available to support small not-for-profit organisations and in-venue Family Day Care services to deliver capital projects that expand or establish new ECEC places in communities of need.

2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)

At least $20 million is dedicated to services delivered through ACCOs. Invitations to apply will be issued directly and developed in consultation with First Nations partners and peak bodies to ensure culturally informed, community-led planning and investment.

3. Operational Funding for Building Fund‑Supported Services

Up to $40 million is available to provide operational support for ECEC services that receive capital funding through the Building Early Education Fund. This stream is designed to help new or expanded services stabilise operations, strengthen viability and meet community demand as they scale.

The new grants are intended to address persistent gaps in early learning access, particularly in:

• outer suburban growth corridors
• regional towns experiencing workforce and population shifts
• remote communities where service availability is limited
• First Nations communities seeking culturally strong, community‑controlled early learning options

By supporting capital builds, expansions and operational stability, the Fund aims to:

• increase the number of available ECEC places
• strengthen workforce participation for families
• support regional economic development
• ensure more children can access high‑quality early learning close to home

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh emphasised the importance of equitable access, stating:

“Every child deserves access to quality early learning, no matter their postcode.

Our $1 billion Building Early Education Fund is delivering more early learning centres for more families in more places in areas of need, particularly in our outer suburbs and regions.”

Each grant stream has its own eligibility criteria, guidelines and application process.

The Minister also encouraged providers to engage with the opportunity, stating that the program represents “an important step towards building a universal early childhood education system”.

Key considerations for providers include:

• demonstrating clear evidence of community need
• showing how the project will increase supply of ECEC places
• ensuring alignment with local planning, workforce and community priorities
• preparing capital project documentation early, including feasibility and costings
• for ACCOs, ensuring community‑led design and governance structures are central

Given the competitive nature of capital funding, early engagement with local stakeholders, councils and community partners may strengthen applications.

For small not‑for‑profit providers and ACCOs, these grants represent a rare opportunity to secure capital investment that can transform long‑term service viability and community impact.

The focus on small providers recognises their critical role in delivering place‑based, community-connected early learning, particularly in regions where large operators are less likely to establish services.

The dedicated ACCO stream reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting culturally strong, self‑determined early learning environments for First Nations children.

Full guidelines, eligibility details and application processes are available via the Building Early Education Fund small-scale grant opportunities.