Applications for funding under the Australian Government’s Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) are closing on 22 February 2021.
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Regional Education, Andrew Gee said $117 million in funding is available over three years, with grants of up to $200,000 on offer.
“I strongly encourage child care providers in the Central West to apply for funding,” Mr Gee said. “Last year our child care providers faced unprecedented challenges, with the bushfires, drought and COVID-19 pandemic impacting child care enrolments and revenue. These grants will help ensure child care centres in the Central West remain open and sustainable. They will also ensure that families in our community continue to have access to affordable child care.”
“The CCCF is a key part of the Australian Government’s Child Care Safety Net, supporting access to affordable early childhood education and care in communities where it is needed the most.
“Access to quality child care can be particularly challenging for families in country communities, compared to metropolitan centres, but it is no less important.
“Child care providers play a valuable role in supporting our local community and are vital to our post-COVID recovery. The CCCF grants will ensure our child care centres can continue to service our community.”
The CCCF competitive grant opportunity closes on 22 February 2021, with payments expected to be made from 1 July 2021.
Grants can be used to address community-level barriers to child care, undertake building upgrades or to ensure a child care business can remain viable. More information is available from Grant-Connect and the Community Grants Hub, as well as the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.