The National Early Childhood Program: National Digital Information Hub (GO8442) provides funding to establish and deliver a central online platform that expands accessible, evidence-based information supports for families, carers, and kin of children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism, as well as for professionals working with them.

Overview

This grant opportunity, administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Commonwealth’s Thriving Kids commitment (Budget 2026–27), funds the creation of a National Digital Information Hub (Digital Hub). The Digital Hub will serve as a central online platform offering practical information, tools, and resources on child development, developmental delay, and neurodevelopmental difference. The platform will include a service finder tool and service intake directory to help users locate appropriate supports and connect with state and territory service intake points. Content will be inclusive, neuro-affirming, accessible in multiple formats and languages, and informed by lived experience and expert input.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Amount Available (AUD): $9,660,000.00
• Location: ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS

Eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant must be the listed organisation and have received an invitation to apply from the department.

• Eligible organisation: The Raising Children Network (RCN) (Australia) Limited

The eligible organisation must partner with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisation to deliver the Digital Hub. This partnership ensures the Digital Hub provides culturally safe and appropriate information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Details of the partnership requirements and the deadline by which the partnership must be established are available in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.

A closed non-competitive selection process was chosen to ensure continuity, minimise duplication, and maximise the impact of public investment by leveraging the expertise, infrastructure, and performance history of the most suitable provider.

Key Objectives

• Improve access to high-quality, reliable information on child development, developmental delay, and neurodevelopmental difference
• Improve access to tailored information for children and families with intersectional experiences
• Address knowledge gaps and reduce stigma
• Empower families to support their child’s development, identify concerns early, and access appropriate supports

Application Process

Applicants must submit the completed application form and all necessary attachments by the closing date and time via the red Submit Application button on the GrantConnect page for this opportunity. A copy of the application and any supporting documents should be retained. Registered users will receive an automated email notification acknowledging receipt of the submission. If no automated email notification is received within 24 hours of submission, applicants should email Grant.ATM@health.gov.au.

For technical assistance when submitting an application through GrantConnect, contact the GrantConnect Helpdesk:

• Phone: 1300 484 145
• Email: GrantConnect@finance.gov.au

File submission instructions:

• Filenames must not exceed 100 characters
• Any file type may be submitted
• Special characters (including colon, forward and back slash, question marks, en and em dash) should be avoided
• A maximum of five (5) separate files can be submitted at one time
• Applications or attachments must not include macros or be password protected

Deadline and Timeline

• Close Date & Time: 6-Jul-2026 2:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
• Publish Date: 4-Jun-2026
• Internal Reference ID: P9124
• GO ID: GO8442

Contact Information

Health Grants Team
Email: Grant.ATM@health.gov.au

Grant opportunity documents are available via the red Grant Opportunity Documents button on the GrantConnect page for this opportunity.