Funding to provide preventative early support services for children, young people and families in the ACT
Find out about the CYFSP preventative early support services grant to fund organisations to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Applications close at 3:00 pm on 25 August 2026.
CYFSP Preventative Early Support Services Grant
This grant provides funding for organisations to provide preventative early support services to children, young people and families. It helps organisations improve the delivery of the Child, Youth and Family Services Program.
The grant aims to improve long-term outcomes by:
- providing support early, before problems become more serious
- building skills, resilience and protective factors
- reducing the need for more intensive services later.
This grant is part of the Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP). This program funds services for children, young people and families who need extra support beyond what is available through universal services. Universal services are available to all families, such as services available through schools, childcare and community health centres.
This grant is also part of a coordinated investment in services for children, young people and families across the ACT.
For more information on related funding opportunities read about related grants.
Who this is for
This grant is for community organisations able to provide preventative early support services to children, young people and families in the ACT. We are looking for organisations that can deliver high-quality services, work closely with families and other providers, and help achieve long-term positive outcomes.
What you get
Total funding for this grant is approximately $746,836 per year over 10 years. This includes an initial 4-year agreement with 2 possible 3-year extensions.
Check if you can apply
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
- be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
- be financially viable to deliver the proposed service over the term of the grant.
Applicants must be one of the following:
- an incorporated organisation in Australia
- a company limited by guarantee
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- a joint (consortia) application with a lead organisation
- registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
What you can do
The funding is to:
- provide early, low-intensity support
- identify needs early and respond proactively
- build skills, resilience and protective factors
- support children and families to engage with universal services.
Services should be accessible, flexible and responsive, and support children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes over time.
Services must be delivered in the ACT.
Before you apply
Attend an information session
We will hold an online information session for the grant, and related grants on 21 July 2026 at 1:00 pm.
The session includes:
- the grant objectives and funding allocation
- eligibility and application requirements
- key dates and next steps
- a Q&A opportunity.
To register to attend, email us at HCSDGrants@act.gov.au
Consider grant readiness support
The Mental Health Community Coalition has been engaged to provide sector development and grant readiness support. This includes skills-building workshops and other activities to help organisations prepare strong applications.
These opportunities are open to all interested organisations. For information visit Mental Health Community Coalition Events.
Apply
To apply online:
- Register or log into your account.
- Follow the instructions to complete your application.
- Submit your application before the grant closes.
After you apply
We'll assess your application and let you know the outcome in December 2026 by email.
Applications will be assessed against the grant’s selection criteria.
The assessment process will also consider how proposed services:
- interact with other services and providing opportunities for collaboration
- complement rather than duplicate existing services.
Information from any previous Health and Community Services Directorate grant rounds may also be considered to assess the applications submitted.
All decisions on whether to award a grant, or on the amount of any grant, are at the sole discretion of the Health and Community Services Directorate.
Successful applicants must enter into an Agreement. Read our grant guidelines for more information.
Related grants
This grant is part of a coordinated investment in services for children, young people and families across the ACT.
The CYFSP and Mental Health Child, Youth and Families (MHCYF) grant streams are working together to support a more connected service system. This is happening alongside the emerging Thriving Kids program, which focuses on providing the right support early.
Together, these grants aim to:
- provide the right support early
- improve outcomes for children, young people, families and carers
- strengthen connections and collaboration across the service system
- ensure services are funded appropriately and avoid duplication.
Organisations can apply for funding across both CYFSP and MHCYF grants where appropriate.
We encourage applications that recognise the full needs of children, young people and families.
Applications may include multiple streams or programs. However, the same activity will not be funded more than once across applications.
Read about the other CYFSP and MHCYF grants:
Contact us
CSD Grants team
If you need help or have questions, contact us.
Email
HCSDGrants@act.gov.au