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Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation

Q: How much funding can be received?

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

Q: 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

Q: 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).

Q: Where is the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation available?

The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation program is available across Canada.

Q: 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

Last Update: February 3, 2026

Canada

Supports innovative early learning and child care projects

Grant and Funding

Employment and Social Development Canada

Processing And Agreement

Other info

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Research and experimental development

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

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

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

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 2,875,000

Launch mobile early-learning outreach and hybrid parent coaching for families

$ 2,950,000

Pilot 24/7 inclusive childcare supports for essential and newcomer families

Eligibility

The project must benefit children under 6 years of age and their families.
The project activities must go beyond the organization’s normal, core, existing, or ongoing activities.
The project must be no longer than 36 months.
The project must end by March 31, 2024.
The project must meet the objectives of this funding process.

Who is not eligible

Organizations in the province of Québec

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Projects led by organizations located in the province of Québec

Selection criteria

Priority consideration for proposals supporting emerging needs and preparedness activities as a response to the pandemic
Further consideration for projects promoting cultural diversity, respect and inclusion, and gender equality
Further consideration for projects supporting the next generation of ELCC sector leaders from identified underrepresented groups
Further consideration for projects targeting children and families with unique child care needs from identified groups

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.

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

Who is eligible for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation program?

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