Open
Source verified June 8, 2026
Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation
Supports innovative early learning and child care projects
Funding available
$ 3,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $3,000,000 for projects that explore, test, and develop innovative approaches in early learning and child care. It supports activities such as adapting services, conducting action research, developing tools and best practices, and strengthening training for early childhood educators.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing or adapting early learning and child care programs and services to address sector needs, including pandemic-related challenges.
- Testing innovative service delivery or business models for ELCC providers.
- Conducting action research and data collection related to early learning and child care.
- Developing, testing, or implementing tools, methodologies, solutions, lessons learned, and best practices for ELCC.
- Improving educator training or addressing workforce barriers, including recruitment and retention strategies.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Completed budget detail template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial and territorial entities, including educational institutions and health and social services institutions
- Municipalities
- Indigenous organizations, including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities
Who is not eligible
- Provincial and territorial governments and their departments
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Organizations based in Quebec
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Communications projects, such as hosting a conference
- Existing core activities
- Projects involving the purchase of real property
- Projects involving the construction of real property
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada, except Quebec
Selection criteria
- Degree of innovation and how well the project addresses a gap or need in the ELCC sector.
- Expected contribution to improving quality, accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, flexibility, and overall ELCC results.
- Clarity, relevance, and feasibility of the project plan, including realistic timelines and milestones.
- Quality of the proposed outputs, outcomes, and result measurement indicators.
- Priority is given to pandemic response projects, with added consideration for inclusion, gender equality, underrepresented leaders, and families with unique child care needs.
How to apply
- Step 1: Create online account
- Create a Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account if applying online.
- Allow at least 2 weeks for account creation.
- Step 2: Prepare application package
- Read the applicant guide to complete the application properly.
- Complete the application form and the budget detail template.
- Gather all required supporting information and documents.
- Step 3: Submit application
- Submit online through GCOS, if using the online option.
- Or complete, sign, scan, and send the application form and budget detail template by email.
- Or print, sign, and mail the application form and budget detail template to the program mailing address.
- Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Online and email submissions receive an automatic confirmation of receipt.
- Mailed applications are acknowledged within 14 days after receipt.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for eligibility and then assessed against the program’s evaluation criteria.
- Online and email submissions receive an automatic confirmation of receipt; mailed applications are acknowledged within 14 days of receipt.
- Funding is limited, so not all eligible applications will be approved.
- Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
- Approved organizations must sign a funding agreement before starting project activities, and only activities started after signing can be paid.
Additional information
- Eligible organizations may submit only one application, although it may include more than one project; separate applications are required by department for multiple projects within the same organization.
- Partnerships with other organizations are encouraged to maximize results and impact.
- If a partnered project is selected, letters confirming each partner’s participation will be requested.
- Evidence supporting the identified ELCC gap or need must be included directly in the application; web links alone are not considered.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation Program
What is the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation?
This program provides up to $3,000,000 for projects that explore, test, and develop innovative approaches in early learning and child care. It supports activities such as adapting services, conducting action research, developing tools and best practices, and strengthening training for early childhood educators.
How much funding can be received?
Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $3,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation program?
To be eligible for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation program, you must:
Eligible organization type
Benefits children under 6
Beyond core activities
What expenses are eligible under Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation?
Developing or adapting early learning and child care programs and services to address sector needs, including pandemic-related challenges.
Testing innovative service delivery or business models for ELCC providers.
Conducting action research and data collection related to early learning and child care.
Developing, testing, or implementing tools, methodologies, solutions, lessons learned, and best practices for ELCC.
Improving educator training or addressing workforce barriers, including recruitment and retention strategies.
Who can I contact for more information about the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Where is the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation available?
The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation program is available across Canada.
Is the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation is a Grant and Funding