NFP Grant Funding Hub
Not-For-Profit Funding Resource.
As of early 2026, the Australian Government is providing significant funding for not-for-profit (NFP) childcare providers, particularly through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund (BEEF), which supports new builds and expansions in high-need areas. Key initiatives include the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) for sustainability and capital upgrades, alongside specific grants for Indigenous-led services, aiming to improve accessibility and viability in disadvantaged or regional areas.
NFP Childcare Funding Opportunities – June 2026
Funding Allocations.
Last updated: 8 June 2026 · All listings have open or upcoming application periods
Click on the state you require, to view all the specific funding.
BEEF – Supplemental Operational Funding
Time-limited operational support to help BEEF-funded ECEC services open and operate sustainably following construction. It cannot be used for capital works. Apply any time via the supplemental operational funding application form on the Department of Education website.
BEEF – ACCO Capital Grants
At least $20 million in dedicated capital funding for new or expanded ECEC services led by Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). By invitation only – the Department of Education contacts eligible ACCOs directly, in consultation with First Nations partners and peak bodies.
Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training
A subsidy for ECEC educators, early childhood teachers and directors at CCS-approved services to complete mandatory national child safety training – covering five hours of paid time per educator, usable during or outside work hours. Closes as soon as funding is fully allocated, so apply as early as possible.
Building Blocks Grants – Capacity Building
Capital grants to not-for-profit organisations and local councils to build or expand kindergartens delivering Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (Free Kinder) programs. For-profit organisations are not eligible. Apply any time via the SmartyGrants portal; applications are assessed in batched rounds throughout the year.
Building Blocks Grants – Planning
Planning grants for the pre-construction and planning phase of a kindergarten capacity project – architect and QS fees, project management, feasibility studies, planning permits, geotechnical and contamination assessments, and staff time. No co-contribution required. Funded planning must be completed within 12 months.
2026 Start Strong for Community Preschools
Substantial ongoing funding to not-for-profit community preschools and mobile preschool services. New providers can apply at any point throughout 2026. Email ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au for an application link, or apply through the NSW Grants and Funding Finder (allow 12–16 weeks for assessment).
2026 Start Strong for Long Day Care – New Services
Funding for newly established long day care services that have not previously received Start Strong funding. Apply via SmartyGrants with a CCSS-generated enrolment report and a Childcare Management Software report confirming enrolled children.
Queensland Kindy Uplift Program 2026
Quarterly Kindy Uplift payments to all approved Kindergarten Program Providers (KPPs) participating in Free Kindy, directed toward professional development, evidence-based programs, curriculum resources and educator support across six priority areas. Current KPPs are paid automatically each quarter; services wishing to become a KPP apply through QGrants.
Flying Start – 3-Year-Old Preschool Provider EOI
The South Australian Government is expanding its Flying Start 3-Year-Old Preschool program and welcomes expressions of interest from not-for-profit providers. Partner services receive government funding plus access to quality tools, professional development and networks. Email OECD.PreschoolFunding@sa.gov.au or submit via the SA Government online EOI portal.
Flying Start Workforce Grants – Round 3
Round 3 is now open, supporting early childhood services in regional, rural and hard-to-staff communities to attract and retain a skilled workforce – building collaboration between local services, delivering training, and running attraction and retention campaigns. All activities must be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded.
No open competitive grant programs currently available
The most recent state program – the Supporting Children in ECEC WA Grant, administered by Child Australia – closed in September 2025, and a new round has not yet been announced. NFP providers in Western Australia are encouraged to monitor the following for upcoming opportunities:
- Child Australia ECEC Grants Programchildaustralia.org.au/programs-and-projects/grants-program →
- WA Department of Educationeducation.wa.edu.au →
- WA Government Grants Portalwa.gov.au/government/grants →
No open competitive grant applications currently available
NFP providers in Tasmania looking to be considered for future opportunities are encouraged to:
- Subscribe to grant updateseducationandcare.tas.gov.au/grants/project-grants →
- Contact the grants teamgrants.ecu@decyp.tas.gov.au · 6165 5425 or 1800 816 057
- Delivery on government school landlandaccess@decyp.tas.gov.au
Your Partner
Grant-funded childcare development
As Australia’s leading specialists in childcare centre development, with a proven 100% success rate in securing DA approvals, our integrated approach – combining property development expertise with deep grant and funding knowledge to de-risk the entire process – has enabled NFPs to successfully secure multi-million-dollar grants and bring vital childcare facilities to life.
Our integrated model brings together grant strategy, design expertise, development management and project delivery from concept to completion – ensuring every centre meets both community needs and funding requirements.
How We Assist
Six deliverables, one grant-ready pack.
Each is decision-grade in its own right – and together they are the development pipeline a winning grant application is built on.
Childcare Needs & HBU Modelling
The site is scored against childcare and its alternatives, paired with analysis of local population trends, growth forecasts and childcare demand.
Project Costing
A QS-grade cost plan – construction, consultant fees, authority contributions and contingency – that survives assessor scrutiny and acquittal.
Concept Plan
A licensing-compliant preliminary site layout and architectural facade concept – by registered childcare designers – that assessors can see, not just read.
Project Risk Assessment
A plain-language risk register across planning, budget, programme and delivery – with mitigations attached. Assessors trust applications that name their risks.
Project Timeline
A realistic, milestone-based programme from grant award through to centre opening – the schedule assessors use to judge deliverability.
Grant Application Development Report
The five deliverables, compiled and written to your target programme’s exact assessment criteria – the document your board lifts into the application portal.
Won Funding – What Next?
Our Development Management service takes grant-funded projects from award through to PC and acquittal.
From Vision to Funded Success
Your journey starts with Mollard Property Group
For expert insight and a clear roadmap of your next steps to become ‘grant ready’, start with a grant readiness consultation. Together, we can ensure your project is fundable, compliant, and ready to deliver impact.
Confidential. NFP-friendly fee terms. Most enquiries answered within 24 hours.
Talk to the NFP Support Team
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Thank you – we’ve got it.
The NFP Support Team will be in touch within one business day (usually within 24 hours).
What happens next
We’ll review your enquiry and reply by email or phone. Confidential, with NFP-friendly fee terms.
Download the statement
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The BEEF Grant Program guide
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Victoria’s Building Blocks guide
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