Closed
Enhanced Support Funding (ESF)
Support for inclusive child care services
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports inclusive licensed child care settings in Leeds and Grenville. It funds special needs resource services, including consultation, training, adaptive equipment, and Enhanced Support Funding for temporary additional staff support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Social Services
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- People with disabilities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Inclusive child care support for children with special needs.
- Program consultation, training, and coaching for child care staff.
- Temporary additional staffing support through Enhanced Support Funding.
- Individual Support Plan consultation and school transition support.
Documents Needed
- Enhanced Support Funding application
- Written plan for use of Enhanced Support Funding
- Parent/family consent for support plan or school transition consultations, when applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Licensed child care operators
- Operators in Leeds and Grenville
- Operators serving children with special needs
Who is not eligible
- Parents or guardians applying directly
- Other service providers applying directly
- Programs outside licensed child care sites in Leeds and Grenville
Eligible expenses
- Salary and benefits for resource teachers, consultants, and supplemental staff.
- Professional development for staff supporting inclusion.
- Purchase or lease of specialized/adaptive equipment and supplies.
- Administrative and management costs up to 5% of annual SNR funding.
- Wages for enhanced support staff, paid at minimum wage plus $2.00/hour.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Services delivered outside licensed child care program sites in Leeds and Grenville.
- Case management or case coordination for families or children.
- Training the general public, parents, family members, or other service providers.
- Professional fees, interest, property tax, fundraising, capital loans, mortgage financing, bonuses, gifts, honoraria, and reserve funds.
Eligible geographic areas
- Leeds and Grenville
Processing and Agreement
- Leeds Grenville reviews the Enhanced Support Funding application.
- The application is approved or denied by Leeds Grenville.
- The operator is notified of the decision.
- Funds are allocated as appropriate after approval.
Additional information
- Leeds Grenville may conduct random audits, evaluations, and reviews of the service.
- Operators must work in writing with the service provider if Enhanced Support Funding is approved.
- Enhanced support staff must be paid minimum wage plus $2.00/hour.
- Enhanced support staff are not counted in program ratios.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF). 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 Enhanced Support Funding (ESF)?
This program supports inclusive licensed child care settings in Leeds and Grenville. It funds special needs resource services, including consultation, training, adaptive equipment, and Enhanced Support Funding for temporary additional staff support.
Who is eligible for the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) program?
To be eligible for the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) program, you must:
Licensed child care operator
Located in Leeds and Grenville
Has children with special needs
What expenses are eligible under Enhanced Support Funding (ESF)?
Inclusive child care support for children with special needs.
Program consultation, training, and coaching for child care staff.
Temporary additional staffing support through Enhanced Support Funding.
Individual Support Plan consultation and school transition support.
Who can I contact for more information about the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF)?
You can contact United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) or by phone at 613-342-3840 ext. 2461.
Where is the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) available?
The Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Enhanced Support Funding (ESF)?
Enhanced Support Funding (ESF) is funded by United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG)