Playground Grants & Funding in Australia

Current Playground Grant Programs

Playground funding in Australia comes from a mix of state government grant programs, federal initiatives, and community sources. Each state runs its own programs with different eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application timelines. Below are the key programs currently available.

National — Accessible Australia Initiative (Inclusive Play Spaces)

The Commonwealth's Accessible Australia initiative funds inclusive play spaces through annual state-run rounds to 2027-28 — up to 50% of the total build cost for councils, government-owned organisations, and not-for-profits. It is the largest dedicated inclusive-play funding source in Australia. For the full breakdown of this and every other accessibility-focused program, see our dedicated inclusive and accessible playground grants guide.

Queensland — Gambling Community Benefit Fund

Queensland's largest community grants program (~$60 million distributed each year), and a well-established funder of playground and play equipment projects for community organisations.

• Funding amount: Up to $35,000 in standard rounds, with an annual "super round" of up to $100,000
• Eligibility: Not-for-profit community groups, including P&C associations
• Rounds: Around four per year — check the current round dates before applying

Queensland — Eat Right Play Right Learn Well Playground Grant (Closed)

The Queensland Government's Eat Right Play Right Learn Well program provided up to $500,000 per state school for playground upgrades. The program is now closed to new applications — funding was allocated from the 2022-23 budget and funded projects must be completed by 30 June 2026. Queensland state schools seeking new funding should look to the Accessible Australia initiative, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and general school infrastructure processes.

Victoria — Building Blocks Inclusion Grant

The Victorian Government's Building Blocks Inclusion Grant supports early learning centres and kindergartens to improve inclusive playground facilities. This program specifically targets inclusive design and accessibility.

• Grant amounts: $10,000 to $200,000
• Eligibility: Early learning centres and kindergartens in Victoria
• 2024-25 round: Announced February 2025
• Recent recipients include: Highgate Early Learning Centre ($200,000), Merri Community Child Care ($199,633), Warburton Preschool ($174,630)
• Focus: Inclusive playground infrastructure for children of all abilities

Victoria — Building Blocks Improvement Grant

The Victorian Government also offers the Building Blocks Improvement Grant as a separate program for early learning centres and kindergartens. This grant covers general facility and playground improvements, with a broader scope than the Inclusion Grant.

• Eligibility: Early learning centres and kindergartens in Victoria
• Program period: 2024-25
• Focus: General facility and playground improvements
• Application: Separate application process from the Inclusion Grant

Victoria — Capital Works Fund: Student Inclusion Projects

The Victorian School Building Authority's Capital Works Fund includes a Student Inclusion stream covering inclusive playgrounds and outdoor learning areas at government schools — up to $350,000 per project, with $25.4 million allocated in 2026-27. Details in our inclusive playground grants guide.

NSW — Community Building Partnership

The NSW Government's Community Building Partnership funds capital works and equipment for community infrastructure, with playgrounds a common project type.

• Funding amount: $10,000 to $100,000
• Eligibility: Incorporated not-for-profits, councils, school P&C associations, and Aboriginal organisations
• Rounds: Annual — the 2026 round ran April to May; expect a similar window each year

Tasmania — Playground and Sports Court Upgrade Program

The Tasmanian Government announced this program in March 2025, providing funding for playground upgrades and sports court resurfacing across the state.

• Scope: 78 schools and 5 child & family centres funded
• Coverage: Playground upgrades and sports court resurfacing
• Grant amounts: Not publicly disclosed
• Announced: March 2025

Other Funding Sources

Beyond dedicated playground grant programs, there are several other avenues to fund playground projects:

• Minor Capital Works grants: Many state education departments offer smaller grants for facility improvements that can include playground upgrades
• Community grants: Local councils often fund projects that benefit children and families — for example, Brisbane's Lord Mayor's Better Suburbs Grants ($10,000–$200,000 for community facilities) and Moreton Bay's Community Facilities Grants (up to $30,000)
• Variety — the Children's Charity: Community grants of up to $15,000 for state and special schools and not-for-profits, covering inclusive education, sensory, and recreational resources
• Corporate sponsorship: Programs like Bunnings Community Grants (up to $10,000, two rounds per year) can contribute materials or funding toward playground projects
• Fundraising: Targeted fundraising campaigns work well for specific, visible projects where the community can see the outcome
• In-kind donations: Landscaping materials, labour, and professional services can significantly reduce project costs
• Kindy Uplift (QLD kindergartens): Queensland Government professional development funding, typically $800–$30,000+ per service, covers Wearthy's on-site Playspace Uplift Program — a separate, smaller-scale stream to the state school grants above

How to Apply for Playground Funding

A strong grant application requires preparation. Follow these steps to give your submission the best chance of success:

• 1. Identify eligible programs in your state: Check your state education department or early childhood authority for current grant rounds and deadlines
• 2. Assess your current outdoor space: Document the condition of existing equipment, safety concerns, and gaps in play provision. Take photos and note any compliance issues
• 3. Get a detailed project quote: Grant assessors need clear costings. Wearthy can provide a comprehensive quote covering design, construction, surfacing, shade structures, and certification
• 4. Prepare your application: Include costings, site photos, design concepts, and a clear statement of need. Explain how the upgrade will benefit children and the community
• 5. Submit before the deadline and follow up: Allow time for revisions and ensure all required documents are attached. Follow up with the granting body if you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe

How Wearthy Supports Your Grant Application

We understand the grant process and what assessors look for. Wearthy can support your application in several ways:

• Detailed project quotes and costings: We provide itemised quotes that give grant assessors confidence in your budget
• Grant application support: We can provide documentation to support your grant application, and we regularly work with schools and centres who have secured funding to execute their projects
• Comprehensive scope: Our quotes include everything a grant assessor needs to evaluate your application — design, construction, surfacing, shade structures, and certification
• Experience with grant-funded projects: We have experience working with schools on grant funding and budget planning for future years
• Design concepts: Visual representations of your proposed playground help assessors understand the project's value and impact