Current ACCOs delivering early learning: Yes, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) that are early learning service providers are encouraged to apply for Stream 1 and Stream 2 of the grants program, as required.

ACCOs seeking to become approved early learning service providers: Can only apply for funding through Stream 3.

No. Applicants will need to reapply for new rounds of funding. This is a requirement of the NSW Grants Administration Guide.

No, $9.92 million is available through the program in the 2025-26 financial year.
The total funding available for grants over 4 years is $89.54 million.

Yes, the Expression of Interest (EOI) round is used to identify eligible organisations and project ideas that fit the program and invite ACCOs to submit a full application at a later stage should they be successful.

No, only Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) are eligible to apply for this program.

Services that are Aboriginal facing, provide services to a high percentage of Aboriginal children, or seek to partner with ACCOs but are not themselves ACCOs, are not eligible.

For clarification on how ACCOs are defined please see section 2.1. Eligible Organisations in the program guidelines.

Services seeking ACCO status are encouraged to contact our Strategic Engagement team for guidance: ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au

If your organisation operates, or is seeking to operate multiple ACCO-led early learning services, you may submit separate applications for each service, provided each service has a different Service ID.

If your service is not yet operational, you will be required to provide evidence in your application.

Yes, but proof that your service has sought approval from the NSW Early Learning Commission will need to be uploaded as part of the application process.
If you need assistance to overcome barriers in becoming an ACCO we encourage you to contact our Strategic Engagement team: ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au

Yes, your centre would be classed under Centre-based day care.

Yes, your service can receive funding from multiple programs, including the ACCO-led ECEC Sector Growth Partnership Program. However, please ensure that the same funding expenses are not claimed or covered more than once across different funding sources.