ClosedNon-Profit2025

Bush Kinder Grants Program

Department of Education · Australia

The Bush Kinder Grants Program provides one-off grants of $6,000 to eligible Victorian kindergarten services to establish or enhance off-site or on-site bush kinder programs. The funding supports outdoor nature-based learning experiences for three- and four-year-old children, with priority given to off-site programs.

Official Grant Page

Funding

$6K – $6K

Duration

up to 1 year

Location

Victoria

Who Can Apply

Must be a Victorian kindergarten service currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program. Must have a current National Quality Standard rating unless not in scope. Must be ready to commence or continue a bush kinder program by Term 2, 2026, with required planning, support and compliance in place. Must not have previously received Bush Kinder Grants Program funding.
Applicants must be kindergarten services currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program in Victoria. The service must have a current National Quality Standard rating unless it is not in scope to hold one, must have undertaken or made significant progress toward the administrative, curriculum planning and stakeholder engagement needed to embed a bush kinder program commencing no later than Term 2, 2026, or already operate such a program in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. The service must 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

Funding supports the establishment or enhancement of bush kinder programs through purchase of outdoor equipment, weather-proof clothing, safety equipment, storage, tools, plants and above-ground gardening materials, plus limited professional learning, specialist engagement and teaching staff backfill for planning and setup.

Expected Outcomes

Successful services are expected to commence or continue a bush kinder program by Term 2, 2026, deliver regular outdoor learning experiences aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, spend funds within one year of receipt, and complete an acquittal reporting on how the grant supported the program.

Key Information

Applicant Types

non_profitcompanylocal_governmentother

Stage

established

Funding Purposes

communitytrainingsustainabilityother

Keywords

bush kinderkindergartenearly childhood educationoutdoor learningnature playVictoriabiodiversitychildren

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bush Kinder Grants Program?

The Bush Kinder Grants Program is a non-profit grant offered by Department of Education in Australia, providing $6K – $6K in funding. The Bush Kinder Grants Program provides one-off grants of $6,000 to eligible Victorian kindergarten services to establish or enhance off-site or on-site bush kinder programs. The funding supports outdoor nature-based learning experiences for three- and four-year-old children, with priority given to off-site programs.

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.

Who is eligible for the Bush Kinder Grants Program?

Must be a Victorian kindergarten service currently funded to deliver a kindergarten program. Must have a current National Quality Standard rating unless not in scope. Must be ready to commence or continue a bush kinder program by Term 2, 2026, with required planning, support and compliance in place. Must not have previously received Bush Kinder Grants Program funding.

What activities are funded?

Funding supports the establishment or enhancement of bush kinder programs through purchase of outdoor equipment, weather-proof clothing, safety equipment, storage, tools, plants and above-ground gardening materials, plus limited professional learning, specialist engagement and teaching staff backfill for planning and setup.

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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