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Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation - Canada
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Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation

Supports innovative early learning and child care projects
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Last Update: February 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,000,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

This program provides up to $3,000,000 to support innovative early learning and child care projects benefiting children under 6 and their families. Eligible activities must go beyond an organization’s ongoing operations and align with the process objectives, within a project duration of up to 36 months ending by March 31, 2024.
/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 $
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
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

  • Innovative early learning and child care initiatives that benefit children under 6 and their families
  • Preparedness and emerging-needs activities in response to the pandemic
  • Projects that promote cultural diversity, respect and inclusion, and gender equality
  • Initiatives supporting the next generation of ELCC sector leaders (including educators, service providers, and research leaders)
  • Projects targeting children and families with unique child care needs in underserved or equity-deserving communities

Eligibility

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations in the province of Québec

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects led by organizations located in the province of Québec

Processing and Agreement

  • Funding decisions were expected in April 2021.

Additional information

  • Funding decisions were expected in April 2021.
  • The Government of Canada indicated discussions with the Government of Québec to make Innovation funding available for Québec-based projects, with details to come later.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation?

This program provides up to $3,000,000 to support innovative early learning and child care projects benefiting children under 6 and their families. Eligible activities must go beyond an organization’s ongoing operations and align with the process objectives, within a project duration of up to 36 months ending by March 31, 2024.

How much funding can be received?

Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.

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: Benefits children under 6 New activities beyond core operations Ends by March 31, 2024

What expenses are eligible under Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation?

Innovative early learning and child care initiatives that benefit children under 6 and their families Preparedness and emerging-needs activities in response to the pandemic Projects that promote cultural diversity, respect and inclusion, and gender equality Initiatives supporting the next generation of ELCC sector leaders (including educators, service providers, and research leaders) Projects targeting children and families with unique child care needs in underserved or equity-deserving communities

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

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