ECEC sustainability support grant

What is the grant?

This grant provides funding to ECEC services in areas experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability to stay open.

The grant is part of the Community Child Care Fund which helps services address barriers to ECEC participation.  

The grant is open at specific times and has opened previously in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.  

When is the next grant round?

Round 5 will open in early 2026. It will provide up to 3 years of funding for eligible ECEC services.

We’ll provide more details about round 5, including grant guidelines, soon.

Who is the grant for?

The grant is for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers who operate services:

• in identified priority areas and regional, remote or very remote areas, or
• that offer specialised care to families experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability.

We’ll publish detailed eligibility criteria for round 5 soon.

What can the grant be used for?

In round 5, providers will be able to apply for 2 funding streams:

• sustainability support for activities that improve a service’s financial sustainability and viability
• capital support for minor works to improve existing ECEC facilities.  

We will provide examples for each funding stream soon.

How will I apply?

Applications will be submitted online through GrantConnect. When the round opens, you’ll be able to download the grant guidelines and complete the application form there.

How can I stay informed?

Subscribe to our newsletter and join our Facebook group to get the latest updates.

Can I see the outcomes from previous rounds?

Since 2018, the Australian Government has provided over $229 million to around 1,120 services under this grant. All CCCF grant recipients are listed on GrantConnect.