Early Learning Fund set to support more than 700 children in 2026

The Early Learning Fund (ELF) on track to support more than 700 children in 2026, making it the program's largest year of impact since 2022.

Established in 2015, Goodstart’s charitable cause, the Early Learning Fund removes cost as a barrier to early learning, helping children experiencing disadvantage access the high quality and inclusive early education and care that can make a lasting difference to their learning, development and future opportunities.

The milestone comes at an important moment for children and families across Australia.

While the introduction of the Federal Government's Three Day Guarantee in January 2026 has improved access to early learning for many families, there are still children who risk missing out due to financial hardship and other barriers. For these families, the Early Learning Fund continues to provide an important safety net.

Previously, the Early Learning Fund provided financial assistance for up to two days of early learning each week. With the introduction of the Three Day Guarantee, the Fund can now extend financial assistance for up to three days early learning each week, helping more children participate in early learning and benefit from the strong foundations it provides.

Goodstart's Head of Social Impact Integration and Partnerships, Penny Markham, said reaching 700 children in 2026 reflected both the growing need for support and the incredible generosity of the community behind the Fund.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from high quality and inclusive early learning, regardless of their family's circumstances," Penny said.

"The Early Learning Fund exists to ensure that cost isn't the reason a child misses out on those opportunities during the years that matter most."

With the support of Goodstarters, philanthropic partners and corporate donors, the Early Learning Fund provides targeted financial assistance to children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, helping families access and participate in early learning during critical developmental years.

"What makes ELF so special is that it's powered by a community of people who genuinely want to make a difference," Penny said.

"Whether it's a Goodstarter donating through workplace giving, a philanthropic supporter, or a corporate partner investing in children's futures, every contribution helps open doors for children and families who need it most."

Among those helping make that impact possible is City, the Early Learning Fund's Major Support Partner. Through a landmark five-year partnership announced last year, City is helping provide access to early learning for at least 115 children each year.

City’s support, alongside thousands of Goodstart workplace giving donors, philanthropic supporters and other corporate partners including Charter Hall, is helping more children access the learning, relationships and support they need to thrive.

"Together, we're helping children access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. That's something every Goodstarter, partner and supporter can be incredibly proud of," Penny said.

Since its establishment, the Early Learning Fund has supported thousands of children across Australia and generated evidence that has helped strengthen the case for reforms designed to improve access to early learning.

"The impact of the Early Learning Fund extends far beyond the children it supports directly," Penny said.

"Over the past decade, we've seen first-hand the difference access to early learning can make for children experiencing disadvantage. That evidence has helped strengthen the case for change and contributed to important reforms, including the introduction of the Three Day Guarantee."

"The Three Day Guarantee is a significant step forward for Australian children and families, but we know there are still families facing barriers to participation. That's why the Early Learning Fund remains such an important safety net."

While the Three Day Guarantee has improved access for many families, cost remains a significant barrier for some. ELF continues to provide general financial assistance to support children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage to access and participate in high quality early learning – both at Goodstart and through partner organisation Uniting NSW/ACT.

As Goodstart heads into Workplace Giving Month, Penny encouraged Goodstarters to reflect on the difference collective action can make.

"One of the things I love most about Giving@Goodstart is that every donation, no matter how small, contributes to something much bigger," she said.

"Whether it's one dollar a week through workplace giving, the support of a corporate partner like City, or a contribution from one of our philanthropic donors, every gift helps create opportunities for children who might otherwise miss out."

"Together, we're helping more children access the life-changing benefits of early learning. That's something every Goodstarter, partner and supporter can be proud of."

What is the Early Learning Fund?

The Early Learning Fund is a charitable cause of Goodstart Early Learning that removes cost as a barrier for families and their children by providing financial assistance that can contribute to the cost of  early learning.

Acting as a safety net when government support isn't available, the Early Learning Fund enables children facing disadvantage to access and participate in early learning during the years that matter most for future learning, development and life outcomes.

Support is available for children who may otherwise miss out on early learning and who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Family experiencing hardship
• First Nations children
• Refugee and humanitarian entrants
• Children at risk of abuse or neglect

Fast facts

• 700 children will be supported through ELF in 2026
• This is the program's largest year of impact since 2022
• ELF now provides eligible families with three days of financial assistance each week (parents only pay $5 day)
• Most ELF-supported children live below the poverty line
• Most ELF families have experienced significant vulnerability or disadvantage
• The program supports children at Goodstart centres and through partner organisation Uniting NSW/ACT
• 100% of workplace giving and corporate donations go directly to supporting children's access to early learning, with program and administration costs covered by Goodstart and Uniting NSW/ACT

Stories of impact – the difference you make supporting the work of ELF

When Cyndel became a single parent, she was determined to create a better life for her children – but financial hardship – and the now abandoned Activity Test – threatened to keep them from early learning. Through Goodstart’s Early Learning Fund (ELF), we removed the financial barriers first for her son and now for her three-year-old daughter. As a single parent restricted by the Activity Test, Cyndel needed additional support to change her circumstances. The results speak for themselves as both children are now thriving in their learning and development, and Cyndel has returned to work, improving her family’s financial security.