These grants support small not-for-profit providers and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to build or expand early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in areas of need.
On this page:
About the grants
We are investing in new and expanded ECEC services through the Building Early Education Fund.
As part of this investment, a small-scale grant package of up to $80 million is now open. It includes 3 grant opportunities for small not-for-profit organisations.
Each grant opportunity has its own guidelines and application process. Before applying, you should:
- read the relevant grant guidelines carefully
- confirm your eligibility
- check opening and closing dates.
Small-scale capital grants
This grant round provides at least $20 million to:
- build or expand a Centre Based Day Care (CBDC) service for children aged 0 to 5 years, or
- modify a building to deliver in-venue Family Day Care in communities with no existing ECEC.
This round is competitive and targets outer suburbs, regional and remote communities.
It is open to small not-for-profit Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers.
If your proposed project involves building or expanding a CBDC service, your organisation must currently operate between 1 to 9 CBDC services.
You must have the support of your local council and secure tenure over the land to apply.
You can submit one site per application and one application per legal entity. Funding is capped at $3 million per site.
We will prioritise projects:
- that can be delivered by 31 March 2028
- near school sites
- in areas of high unmet need
- that improve access to high-quality and culturally safe ECEC for First Nations communities.
Read more in the small-scale capital grant opportunity guidelines.
To apply, complete the small-scale capital grant application form by 5 pm AEST on 29 May 2026.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) capital grants
This grant provides at least $20 million in capital funding for new or expanded ECEC services led by ACCOs.
Participation is by invitation only. In consultation with First Nations partners and peak bodies, we will invite eligible organisations to apply. More information, including details on how to apply will be provided in the invitation.
Read more in the ACCO capital grant opportunity guidelines.
Operational funding
This funding provides up to $40 million in time-limited operational support to help Building Fund-supported ECEC services open and operate sustainably.
It is open only to organisations:
- funded through a Building Fund capital grant
- that can demonstrate a need for operational support.
Funding cannot be used for capital works.
Eligible services can apply at any time during the application period up until 30 June 2029.
Read more in the supplemental operational funding guidelines.
Complete the supplemental operational funding application form by 30 June 2029.
More information
For questions about the small-scale capital grant, email BuildingFundSmallScaleGrant@education.gov.au before 15 May 2026.
For questions about the supplemental operational funding, email BuildingFundSmallScaleGrant@education.gov.au.