ClosedNon-Profit2025
Bush Kinder Grants Program
Victorian Department of Education · Australia
The Bush Kinder Grants Program provides one-off $6,000 grants to eligible Victorian kindergarten services to establish or enhance off-site or on-site bush kinder programs. Funding supports equipment, items and limited services or time-release to help services deliver outdoor nature-based learning programs for children.
Funding
$6K – $6K
Duration
up to 1 year
Location
Victoria
Who Can Apply
• Must be a kindergarten service currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program in Victoria
• Must have a current National Quality Standard rating, unless not in scope to hold one
• Must have undertaken, or made significant progress toward, administrative and curriculum planning and stakeholder engagement to embed a bush kinder program commencing no later than Term 2, 2026, or already operate a bush kinder program in line with the VEYLDF
• Must have endorsement from the approved provider, nominated supervisor and kindergarten teaching team
• Must meet obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations with no significant compliance issues or incidents outstanding with the Department of Education
• Must not have been a previous recipient of the Bush Kinder Grants Program
• Off-site applications must confirm appropriate community engagement and engagement with relevant authorities for site use
• On-site applications must only be submitted where off-site options have been considered and are not viable
Applicants must be kindergarten services in Victoria that are currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program, have a current National Quality Standard rating unless not in scope, have undertaken or made significant progress toward administrative and curriculum planning and stakeholder engagement to embed a bush kinder program commencing no later than Term 2 2026 or already operate such a program, have endorsement from the approved provider, nominated supervisor and kindergarten teaching team, meet obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations with no significant compliance issues or incidents outstanding with the Department of Education, and must not have previously received Bush Kinder Grants Program funding. Services awarded funding in 2023 or 2024 are not eligible for future years, and successful applicants in 2025 will also be ineligible for future rounds within the four-year funding period.
What's Funded
Establishing or enhancing off-site bush kinder programs in local outdoor natural spaces, or on-site bush kinder programs by improving above-ground outdoor biodiversity at kindergarten premises. Eligible spending includes child-safe outdoor clothing, safety equipment, general equipment, storage, plants and gardening materials, professional learning, specialist engagement and limited teaching staff backfill/time-release.Expected Outcomes
Successful services are expected to commence or continue a bush kinder program by no later than Term 2, 2026, embed the program into the existing curriculum in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, spend funds within the approved period, and complete an acquittal reporting how the grant supported establishment or enhancement of the program.Key Information
Applicant Types
non_profitcompanyother
Stage
established
Funding Purposes
communitytrainingsustainabilityother
Keywords
bush kinderkindergartenearly childhoodoutdoor learningnature playVictoriaeducationbiodiversity
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the Bush Kinder Grants Program?
The Bush Kinder Grants Program is a non-profit grant offered by Victorian Department of Education in Australia, providing $6K – $6K in funding. The Bush Kinder Grants Program provides one-off $6,000 grants to eligible Victorian kindergarten services to establish or enhance off-site or on-site bush kinder programs. Funding supports equipment, items and limited services or time-release to help services deliver outdoor nature-based learning programs for children.
2
How much funding does the Bush Kinder Grants Program provide?
The Bush Kinder Grants Program provides $6K – $6K in funding. The typical project duration is up to 1 year.
3
Who is eligible for the Bush Kinder Grants Program?
- Must be a kindergarten service currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program in Victoria
- Must have a current National Quality Standard rating, unless not in scope to hold one
- Must have undertaken, or made significant progress toward, administrative and curriculum planning and stakeholder engagement to embed a bush kinder program commencing no later than Term 2, 2026, or already operate a bush kinder program in line with the VEYLDF
- Must have endorsement from the approved provider, nominated supervisor and kindergarten teaching team
- Must meet obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations with no significant compliance issues or incidents outstanding with the Department of Education
- Must not have been a previous recipient of the Bush Kinder Grants Program
- Off-site applications must confirm appropriate community engagement and engagement with relevant authorities for site use
- On-site applications must only be submitted where off-site options have been considered and are not viable
4
What activities are funded?
Establishing or enhancing off-site bush kinder programs in local outdoor natural spaces, or on-site bush kinder programs by improving above-ground outdoor biodiversity at kindergarten premises. Eligible spending includes child-safe outdoor clothing, safety equipment, general equipment, storage, plants and gardening materials, professional learning, specialist engagement and limited teaching staff backfill/time-release.
5
How do I apply for the Bush Kinder Grants Program?
Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.
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