Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: This is a 4 year funded program
- Application opened: 3 December 2025
- Application closes: 20 February 2026
Program objective
The Ninganah No More program has six core objectives.
- Aboriginal language and culture are present in ECEC programs.
- The number of Aboriginal children learning an Aboriginal language is increased.
- Aboriginal children remain connected to culture and grow their cultural identity through language.
- ECEC services establish and maintain connection with their local Aboriginal community.
- Inclusive learning environments for Aboriginal children.
- Children in the early years have the opportunity to learn Aboriginal languages.
This program is administered by Department of Education.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Applications for NNM must be from:
- Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) providing ECEC services or
- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation (e.g., Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registration, documentation showing 51% Aboriginal ownership, or any other relevant documentation) providing ECEC services;
and
- an organisation that is a recognised ECEC service provider under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (National Law) (for children aged 0-5 years)
Organisations must also meet the following eligibility criteria
- Be able and committed to deliver the NNM language program to one of the following services:
- an Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
- a Multifunctional Aboriginal Child Service,
- a mobile or centre-based community preschool
- a not-for-profit long day care service.
- Not be funded to deliver Aboriginal language programs to the same ECEC services from other source.
- Be able and committed to ensure the language program is co-developed and delivered by a local language Aboriginal teacher* together with either a certificate III diploma qualified educator or an early childhood teacher.
- If the applicant is not an ACCO and is a provider of language services, the applicant must have complied with their obligations under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 (NSW), including the requirement to notify the Aboriginal Languages Trust of the establishment and operation of their service.
- *If an organisation is unable to access a language teacher, funding may be approved by the department’s Director Aboriginal ECO to support teacher training and the development of appropriate learning resources to facilitate program delivery.
- Documented support from the community where the program will be delivered. This can be demonstrated by the following:
- the department seeks letter(s) of community support that the applicant organisation is recognised as an ACCO, or as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation (e.g., Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registration, documentation showing 51% Aboriginal ownership, or any other relevant documentation); or
- if the applicant is not an ACCO, a letter of support for the individual language teacher from a recognised Aboriginal organisation (e.g. NSW AECG or local AECG, NSW Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Regional Alliance, or another relevant local Aboriginal organisation).
Who the grant is targeted towards
- Children 0-5
- Parents
- Carers
- Community
Types of projects funded under this grant
Successful applicants must only use funding for the development and delivery of the NNM program, as outlined in their approved application, in line with program guidelines and the Terms and Conditions.
- Funding cannot be used to replace any existing funding sources.
- NNM funding must only be used for activities that are directly attributable to the core delivery of the NNM program.
- Funded staff positions must have clearly defined NNM duties, with the proportion of time spent on NNM activities separately identified and documented.
- NNM funding cannot be combined with other grant or program funds to deliver the same activity. Each funded activity must be unique to NNM.
- Activities need to commence during the calendar year of the successful grant contract.
- The program must be named and identified as Ninganah No More.
- Funding can only be used for the development and delivery of an Aboriginal language program and must be delivered to an Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, a Multifunctional Aboriginal Child Service, a mobile or centre-based community preschool or a non-for-profit long day care service.
- Language classes can be in conjunction with other community language initiatives delivered by the NSW Government and/or other government agencies; however, this funding is not available for applicants who receive funding to deliver Aboriginal language programs to ECEC services.
- Funded activities are required to commence in 2026 and continue through to 2029.
When the project can start and end
The project should be started by 1 January 2026 and the project must be completed by 31 December 2029.
What costs you can apply for
Grants of $30,000 are available per ECEC service, per calendar year from 2026 -2029 (i.e. four years). Grants are primarily to cover the cost of one language teacher, providing up to seven hours of language lessons per week per service.
Grants can also be used to meet reasonable costs for administering and managing the program, including meeting reporting and record keeping requirements, and to participate in department development activities.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
When submitting your application, please ensure you attach or include the following information and documents:
1. Service Eligibility Information - Evidence that your organisation meets all the eligibility criteria.
2. Detailed Program Description - Outline how the proposed program aligns with the NNM objectives, including:
- Delivery model and method
- Inclusive practices
- Delivery locations and relevant approvals
- Evidence of staff qualifications
- Future planning details
3.Program Requirements Statement - Explanation of how the proposed program meets the NNM program requirements.
4. Delivery Site Details- Information on all delivery locations and agreements in place for their use and any supporting letters.
5. Collaboration Evidence- Documentation showing collaboration with ECEC services and language teachers and how the program will increase participation.
6. Participation Estimates-
- Estimated number of Aboriginal children's participants
- Estimated number of non-Aboriginal children's participants
7. Letter of Endorsement - A letter of support or approval from the local Aboriginal community.
8. Governance and Financial Management Evidence -Documentation demonstrating sound governance mechanisms and financial capability.
9. Qualified Staff Evidence- Proof of involvement of qualified ECEC staff in program design and planning.
10. Organisational Status Documents- Any additional documents required to verify your organisation's eligibility (e.g. ORIC registration, 51% Aboriginal ownership evidence. or not-for-profit status)
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
How to Apply.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines Review this document to understand the program objectives, eligibility, and funding criteria.
Step 2: Check Eligibility & Gather Documents Confirm your organisation meets the eligibility requirements and prepare supporting documents.
Step 3: Register with SmartyGrants Create a free account if you haven't already. Click here for a user guide.
Step 4: Complete the Application & Upload Documents
Fill in all required sections.
Upload supporting documents. Non-ACCOs must provide either: — Proof the language provider is an Aboriginal organisation, or — A support letter for the language teacher from a recognised Aboriginal organisation.
Step 5: Review & Submit
Check all sections are complete and accurate.
No changes can be made after submission.
False or misleading information may result in disqualification or legal action.
You will receive confirmation once submitted. the department may request clarification if required. Late applications will not be accepted unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: The Director, Early Childhood Education Programs or their delegate.
Assessment of Grant Applications
Stage 1: Eligibility and Completeness Check An initial review by the Department of Education confirms applicants meet program eligibility and have submitted all required documentation. Minor omissions may be clarified at the Department’s discretion. Ineligible applications will not proceed unless eligibility can be clearly demonstrated.
Stage 2: Assessment Against Criteria Eligible applications are assessed by an independent panel against set criteria. This includes:
Organisational Assessment – Experience with Aboriginal communities, early childhood services, partnerships, service quality, and past NNM performance.
Program Assessment – Quality, cultural responsiveness, and alignment of the proposed program with NNM objectives.
Stage 3: Due Diligence Shortlisted applicants undergo due diligence checks to confirm legal, financial, and governance suitability. Risks identified may affect funding decisions or result in additional conditions.
Stage 4: Final Ranking and Recommendations Final recommendations are based on merit, risk profile, strategic alignment, and community needs. The Assessment Panel submits ranked recommendations for approval. All applicants are notified of outcomes, with feedback available on request.
Assessment Panel and Principles
The Panel has:
- a Convenor who will be a staff member from the Aboriginal Early Childhood Outcomes Team
- a minimum of two department staff, and
- one member from an external NSW government agency.
- a probity member
The Panel convenor is responsible for ensuring that panel members:
- are trained in the assessment process and the program aims and objectives
- receive a probity briefing and understand their duties
- complete a Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration form.
The following principles guide the assessment process:
- Merit-based – All applications are evaluated against the same criteria using objective evidence.
- Fair and impartial – Conflicts of interest are managed and mitigated.
- Transparent and auditable – Decisions are documented with clear rationale.
- Risk-managed – Delivery and financial risks are considered and addressed.
Confidential – Applicant information is handled in accordance with privacy and confidentiality obligations.
Notification of Outcomes
All applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing via email. Notification will be provided by mid December 2025
Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their grant, including details of the funding awarded and next steps, including the requirement to enter into a Funding Agreement with the department. Unsuccessful applicants will also be advised in writing, where practicable, of the reasons why their application was not successful.
Unsuccessful applicants are not restricted from applying for future rounds of this program.
Support and contact
For more information about the Ninganah No More program, please contact the Aboriginal Programs team at the departments Aboriginal Early Childhood Outcomes Directorate.
Email: AboriginalprogramsECED@det.nsw.edu.au