We appreciate the interest and impact these programs have generated, and we look forward to exploring future opportunities based on budget availability. This page will be updated as new information becomes available, so please check back regularly.
Grant programs to fund renovations, new child care builds, and more.
The Department has launched three grant programs to support the creation of new licensed and provincially funded early learning and child care spaces across Nova Scotia.
You may be eligible* for grant funding if you are:
- An existing not-for profit child care provider
- A registered not-for-profit organization interested in becoming a child care provider
- A Municipal government or organization wholly owned by a municipality
- A University or Nova Scotia Community College
- A Mi’kmaw/Indigenous community/organization in Nova Scotia
- A person who is at least 18 years of age interested in offering child care in your home
*In cases where the applicant will not be the provider (i.e. responsible for the day-to-day provision of child care at proposed location), the applicant must partner with a not-for-profit child care provider to do so. While it is preferred that a partner be identified at the application stage, it is not required.
Thank you for your interest in this program. Applications are now closed due to full allocation of available resources.
Available to newly recruited child care providers, the Family Home Child Care Start Up Program provides a one-time grant of up to $7500 to assist with the costs of creating quality early learning and child care environments in your home.
Eligible to Apply
Those interested in becoming a Family Home Child Care provider should contact the Family Home Child Care Agency in their area.
Agencies provide support services, professional development and coaching to the provider. They provide initial and ongoing support, including administering the start up program grant.
Consider becoming a regulated child care provider!
Thank you for your interest in this program. Applications are now closed due to full allocation of available resources.
The Minor Infrastructure Program provides grant funding for the development of new not-for-profit child care spaces by completing minor renovations to existing licensed and provincially funded childcare centres or establishing new locations. These spaces focus on children 0 to 5 years of age.
Approved projects are eligible for:
- up to $1M (based on a maximum of $20,000 per space) towards eligible project costs; and
- expenses related to project design, project management, and legal fees (based on a maximum of 10% of the total project cost)
The following are eligible to apply:
- Municipal governments or organizations wholly owned by a municipality
- Universities or Nova Scotia Community College
- Mi’kmaw/Indigenous communities/organizations in Nova Scotia
- Registered not-for-profit organizations
Thank you for your interest in this program. Applications are now closed due to full allocation of available resources.
The Major Infrastructure Program provides grant funding for the development of new not-for-profit childcare spaces in licensed and provincially funded centres.
These spaces focus on children 0 to 5 years of age in communities with the highest need for childcare, prioritizing diverse and vulnerable communities.
Approved projects are eligible for:
- Leasehold/Rental Properties - A maximum of $20,000 per space up to a total project value of $1.5M
- Owned/Public Properties - A maximum of $40,000 per space up to a total project value of $3.5M
The following are eligible* to apply:
- Municipal governments or organizations wholly owned by a municipality
- Universities or the Nova Scotia Community College
- Mi’kmaw/Indigenous communities/organizations in Nova Scotia
- Registered not-for-profit organizations
*In cases where the applicant does not want to operate a child care facility, they must partner with a not-for-profit child care provider who will be responsible for day-to-day operations.