Early childhood grants

Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest updates about early childhood grants, including funding available through the 2025-26 State Budget.

We’re helping build the kindergartens Victoria needs.

All Victorian children can now enjoy 2 years of free kindergarten. For 3-year-olds, kindergarten hours will increase from 5 to 15 hours a week. At the same time Four-Year-Old Kindergarten will become Pre-Prep – doubling their play-based learning to 30 hours a week.

Since launching in 2020, Building Blocks grants have been laying foundations for these major reforms. They have helped local councils and other not-for-profit providers build, expand and modernise kindergartens across the state.

With joint-investment from the sector, we are creating more kindergarten places. Building Blocks is also making kinder buildings, playgrounds and equipment more inclusive for children of all abilities.

As well as the grants streams, the Department of Education offers the Building Blocks Partnerships program. We work closely with local governments and not-for-profit providers to plan and build kindergartens in the areas that need them.

The 2025-26 State Budget invests $15 million in Building Blocks Improvement and Inclusion grants.

Building Blocks grants

More information

Previous grants

Early Childhood Refurbishment and Minor Works Program

This $30 million program was a short-term initiative that aimed to improve Victorian kindergartens. It also aimed to stimulate economic activity by supporting local jobs across Victoria.

Eligible organisations were awarded grants of up to $50,000 for minor projects or $500,000 for major projects. These projects included playground upgrades, roof repairs, landscaping, fencing, installing accessible ramps, and making kitchen or staffroom upgrades.

Best Start Best Life logo

Updated