New $1 million Thriving Kids grant round: who can apply?

Eligible NSW organisations can seek up to $100,000 for projects to help children and families understand their rights, find support and participate in decisions.

A new NSW grant round will fund advocacy and safeguarding projects for children and families accessing Thriving Kids. Applications opened on 19 October, with individual grants of between $30,000 and $100,000 available.

The $1 million round sits within the Disability Advocacy Futures Program. Applications close at 4 pm on 24 November 2026, and eligibility depends on an organisation’s legal structure, location and ability to meet the funding conditions.

The opportunity is relevant to early childhood organisations working with families navigating developmental concerns and support services, but is not a general grant for ECEC operations. Providers should check eligibility before preparing an application.

Projects should address advocacy priorities

The round has four priorities: First Nations advocacy, self-advocacy and supported decision-making, safeguarding and service navigation, and cultural inclusion. Projects should help children, families, carers and kin access information and make informed decisions.

The funding also aims to strengthen connections between advocacy organisations and early childhood, health, education and community services. Applicants need to explain how their proposed work responds to the needs of the children and families it intends to support.

Funded projects should begin by 1 March 2027 and must finish by 29 February 2028. Applicants will need a delivery plan that fits those dates and the requirements in the official grant listing.

Check eligibility before developing a proposal

Eligible applicants include NSW-based local government organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and specified incorporated not-for-profit bodies. Requirements also include insurance, organisational status and compliance with previous funding obligations.

Individuals, for-profit organisations, government agencies and NSW educational facilities are excluded. Being a not-for-profit ECEC provider does not, by itself, establish eligibility.

An organisation considering an application should check both the eligible-entity categories and the exclusions. Where its position is unclear, seeking clarification before investing in a proposal will be more useful than relying on its service type alone.

Early learning services continue supporting families

Thriving Kids is intended for children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. A diagnosis is not required to access support, and the program does not provide individual funding packages.

The NSW Department of Education says early learning services retain their existing role. Educators can discuss developmental concerns with families, share official information and help families find access pathways as they become available.

For services, the grant round may create opportunities to connect with local advocacy organisations, whether or not they apply themselves. The department’s Thriving Kids guidance for early learning services explains how the developing supports sit alongside existing provision.