ACCO-led ECEC Sector Growth Partnership Program 2026/27

Expressions of Interest are open for ACCOs that are approved early learning providers or seeking to become approved providers under the 2026/27 ACCO-led ECEC Sector Growth Partnership Program.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations who are approved Early Learning providers or are seeking to become approved Early Learning providers are encouraged to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI). 

Successful applicants in this EOI will progress to the next round where they will be invited to provide a full application. Applicants will be required to complete this via a SmartyGrants application by the close date to be considered. Applicants may be required to provide evidence to support their application. Please see Program Guidelines for information of funding streams and eligibility. 

Eligibility

Only Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) are eligible for this program. An ACCO is an organisation: that delivers services, including land and resource management that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:

• incorporated under relevant legislation and is not-for-profit
• controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• connected to the community or communities in which it delivers services
• governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body.  

ACCOs applying for Streams 1 or 2 must have early learning service approval or have applied for service-approval. 

ACCOs must be an approved early learning service provider, or have submitted an application for an early learning service approval that is yet to be determined by the NSW Early Learning Commission, to operate one or more of the following early learning services in New South Wales:

• centre-based day care (preschool)
• long day care
• outside school hours care
• family day care
• occasional care
• mobile preschool

ACCOs applying for Stream 3 must: 

Provide evidence that your organisation has consulted with the community to seek endorsement for the project. Be facing barriers to early learning provider approval which may include (but not limited to): land or premises access issues (e.g. resolving crown land complexities) regulatory compliance planning and project scoping Provide evidence that funding will be used to reduce barries for establishment of the project.