Investing in Capability: Forest Hill ECF Opens 2026–27 Grant Rounds

The Forest Hill Early Childhood Foundation has opened applications for its 2026–27 grant rounds, offering targeted funding to strengthen professional learning, organisational capability, and program innovation across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Two grant streams, the Warrawong Professional Learning Grants and the Forest Hill Grants, are now accepting submissions, with both closing on 4 May 2026.

These grants continue the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting high‑quality early learning by enabling services and organisations to invest in their people, their practice, and their environments.

The Warrawong Professional Learning Grants provide up to $10,000 for initiatives that strengthen educator knowledge, skills, and practice. Funding is available for the 2026–27 financial year, with payments made after 30 June 2026.

This stream is designed to support professional learning that has a clear, sustained impact, whether through individual development, team‑based capability building, or organisation‑wide learning strategies. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposed learning will translate into improved outcomes for children and stronger pedagogical practice.

Successful applicants will be required to submit an Activity Report outlining how funds were used and the benefits achieved.

The Forest Hill Grants offer up to $10,000 for broader organisational or program‑focused initiatives. Funding supports projects that enhance early learning environments, strengthen program delivery, or enable innovation that benefits children, families, and communities.

Like the Warrawong stream, applications close on 4 May 2026, with funding available from July 2026 through to the end of 2027. Payments will be made after 30 June 2026.

Guidelines and a sample application form are available to support planning. Successful applicants will complete a project completion report at the end of the funding period.

Applications for both grant streams will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Trustees after 30 June 2026, with applicants notified as soon as decisions are finalised.

The Foundation encourages applicants to begin preparing early, particularly where projects involve partnerships, multi‑site implementation, or significant professional learning components.

For ECEC providers, these grants represent a valuable opportunity to invest in areas that are often under‑resourced but critical to quality: educator capability, program innovation, and the environments in which children learn.

Well‑designed applications that clearly articulate need, impact, and alignment with the Foundation’s purpose are likely to be competitive. Services considering applying may benefit from reviewing past initiatives, identifying gaps in capability or resources, and engaging teams early in shaping project ideas.