Step 1: Review program guidelines

Read the program guidelines in detail.

Step 2: Review program criteria and funding conditions

Check the Eligibility criteria and the Assessment criteria to review the following:

• Is the organisation eligible?

• Is the service type eligible?

• Is the proposed initiative/s suitable for this grant program and meet the eligibility criteria?

• Decide and select the stream; review what can or cannot be funded for each stream.

• Are you able to respond to each assessment criteria and provide the required evidence?

• Does the service hold regulatory and/or council approvals for the proposed activities, or will you require to obtain the approvals?

• If you need an endorsement from your board or committee to lodge a grant application, start organising the approval.

• Check the Funding Conditions to ensure:
  • you are not seeking funding for completed activities i.e. retrospectively
  • no other state or commonwealth funding has been allocated to the proposed activities
  • quotes and funding amount requested exclude GST.

Note:

• A separate application must be submitted for each individual stream.

• A separate application must be submitted for each individual service.

Step 3: Prepare your application

Prepare your application in advance. Plan to submit before the close of the round, refer to the Key Dates (add hyperlink to Key Dates).

Use the PDF resources below to ensure you have all the critical required information.

You are strongly encouraged to:

• download the Application checklist (PDF 197 KB)

• download the Application assessment criteria template (PDF 199 KB) to preview the questions you will be required to answer and receive guidance on the recommended word count for each question

• download the Itemised budget template (PDF 135 KB) to assist in outlining and planning the funding you need to request

• download the Staffing budget estimate template (PDF 128 KB) to assist in outlining and planning the staffing related funding you need to request

• download the Projected timeline template (PDF 135 KB) to evaluate whether the project can be completed within the 12-month funding period.

Step 4: Fill and submit the application

Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants to be considered for funding.

You will need to register to use the SmartyGrants application system. Registration is a free and straightforward process.

To submit your application:

1. Read the instructions on the application form.
2. Complete each question using the information you have prepared in your checklist and upload the evidence that you have collected
3. Save the application form as you go, this will allow you to return to it later. Changes can be made to an application any time until it is submitted.
4. Check that all the sections are completed.
5. Check that all the required evidence is uploaded.
6. Submit the application.

Note:

• Incomplete forms will not be considered for funding assessment.

• Once you submit your application you will not be able to send further documentation (unless this is specifically requested).

More information

Please email ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au or call the Early Childhood Education Information and Enquiries team on 1800 619 113 if you are unsure about any aspects of your application.